Waiting on Wednesday: January 6

Title: Mistwood
Author: Leah Cypess
US Release date: April 27, 2010

Summary (from GoodReads): The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod. But when she is needed she always comes. Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have. Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat. Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them. Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Why I'm interested: I'm all for supporting the tenners, and this book really speaks to my fantasy interests. First of all, I love princes (and not just those of the Disney variety, I promise). I also think this take on Shifters sounds awesome, and stands out a bit from the other fantasy that we're seeing a lot of in YA lit. Plus there definitely sounds like there'll be some romance, and I can never pass that up. And I mean, there's a castle on the cover. Sweet.

So... what did you pick this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: October 14

Title: The Dark Divine

Author: Bree Despain

US Release date: December 22, 2009

Summary (from GoodReads): I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?” 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 blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel'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.

Why I'm interested: Even beyond the gorgeous cover, this book looks so intriguing! An ancient evil, dark secrets, sacrificing one's soul? Wow. The Dark Divine looks like it will have a lot of weight to it and won't be a book you want to put down. This synopsis leaves so much to think about, I cannot wait for this to be released in December.

What's your choice this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday: October 7

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: first in a series of Hex Hall books
US Release date: March 2, 2010


Summary (from Amazon.com): Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father-an elusive European warlock-only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.


Why I'm interested: Hex Hall (as in the school) sounds really interesting. I love how Rachel Hawkins is combining all these supernatural beings - witches, faeries, and more. Then, she adds in a secret society and lots of mystery. Sounds sweet to me.

What's your pick this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday: September 30

Title: Magic Under Glass

Author: Jackie/Jaclyn Dolamore

US Release date: February 1, 2010

Summary (from GoodReads): Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.

Why I'm interested: Sort of like last week, I love that there's a fairy realm, along with sorcerers and ghosts -- all these supernatural elements coming together is fascinating. And of course, I'm such a sucker for a romance that's fighting against the odds. I'm already sighing.

What are you looking forward to right now?

Waiting on Wednesday: September 23

Title: Dragonfly

Author: Julia Golding

US Release date: October 20, 2009

Summary (from Amazon): Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal in order to unite their lands. And he's not too pleased, either. They hate each other on sight. So, when Tashi and Ramil are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape - from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure help them or betray them to the enemy?

Why I'm interested: I'll admit that the cover is what really caught my attention, because it looks so simple, except it's really not. After reading the summary, I'm really curious, as titles are always deliberate: what does "dragonfly" have to do with anything? Plus, this looks like it will be full of adventure and romance. :)

What are you looking forward to this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: September 16

Title: The Indigo Notebook
Author: Laura Resau
Series: 1st in The Notebook series

US Release date: October 13, 2009

Summary (from GoodReads): Zeeta's life with her free-spirited mother, Layla, is anything but normal. Every year Layla picks another country she wants to live in. This summer they’re in Ecuador, and Zeeta is determined to convince her mother to settle down. Zeeta makes friends with vendors at the town market and begs them to think of upstanding, “normal” men to set up with Layla. There, Zeeta meets Wendell. She learns that he was born nearby, but adopted by an American family. His one wish is to find his birth parents, and Zeeta agrees to help him. But when Wendell’s biological father turns out to be involved in something very dangerous, Zeeta wonders whether she’ll ever get the chance to tell her mom how she really feels—or to enjoy her deepening feelings for Wendell.

Why I'm interested: First, I absolutely loved Laura Resau's writing in Red Glass. While the plot is entirely different, this book looks like it will have many of the same themes, which would be great. I also love to travel, so I really like Zeeta's background.

Waiting on Wednesday: September 9

Title: Beautiful Creatures
Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
US Release date: December 1, 2009

Summary (from Amazon.com): 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.

Why I'm interested: Well, I've spent a fair amount of time reading Kami Garcia's and Maragert Stohl's blogs, and I can say that if Beautiful Creatures is even half as interesting as they appear to be, it'll be pretty darn interesting. And as I've mentioned with a few other of my Waiting on Wednesday picks, I adore old houses and history and a bit of mystery, so this looks great. Plus I cannot wait to know what the powerful secret is.

What's your selection this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: September 2

Title: Almost Perfect
Author: Brian Katcher
US Release Date: October 13, 2009

Summary (from Amazon): 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.

Why I'm interested: Books about relationships from a male perspective seem to be rare, which is really a shame, so I'm looking forward to this one. I also think it should be interesting to see how Brian Katcher deals with gender identities and phobias.

Waiting on Wednesday: August 26

Title: Sphinx's Princess

Author: Esther Friesner

US Release Date: September 22, 2009

Summary (from Amazon): Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she’s the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful. And news of her striking beauty and impulsive behavior attracts the attention of her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who sees Nefertiti as an ideal pawn in her desire for power. Even though Nefertiti is taken from her beloved family and forced into a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger, her spirit and mind will not rest. She continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society.

Why I'm interested: I love the Nobody's series by her, and I am huge historical fiction fan to begin with. I think her take on Nefertiti should be really interesting.

Waiting on Wednesday: August 19

Title: Winter's Child
Author: Cameron Dokey
Series: Once Upon a Time
US Release date: September 8, 2009

Summary (from GoodReads): Kai and Grace are best friends who live in adjoining homes. But when Kai declares his love for Grace, everything changes. Grace years for freedom and pushes away Kai - and their friendship. Dejected Kai dreams of a dazzling Snow Queen, who entices him to leave home and wander to faraway lands. When Grace discovers Kai is gone, she learns how much she has lost - and sets out on a mystical journey to find him...and discover herself.

Why I'm interested: I've read every book in the Once Upon a Time series that's been released so far. Cameron Dokey's are some of my favorites. I like that this is a retelling of "The Snow Queen" because it's a fairy tale I know but am not too well familiar with.

Waiting on Wednesday: August 12

Title: Candor

Author: Pam Bachorz

US Release date: September 22, 2009

Summary (from GoodReads): Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape Candor, Florida before they're transformed into cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.

Why I'm interested: I like stories where the main character fights the norm (i.e. Scott Westerfeld's books) and I love a book that features a bit of dangerous. This book has a whole lot of both, plus it has a fantastic-looking cover.

Waiting on Wednesday: August 5

Title: Bleeding Violet
Author: Dia Reeves
US Release date: January 5, 2010

Summary (from Amazon.com): Love can be a dangerous thing.... Hanna simply wants to be loved. With a head plagued by hallucinations, a medicine cabinet full of pills, and a closet stuffed with frilly, violet dresses, Hanna's tired of being the outcast, the weird girl, the freak. So she runs away to Portero, Texas in search of a new home. But Portero is a stranger town than Hanna expects. As she tries to make a place for herself, she discovers dark secrets that would terrify any normal soul. Good thing for Hanna, she's far from normal. As this crazy girl meets an even crazier town, only two things are certain: Anything can happen and no one is safe.

Why I'm interested: 1. It's another tenner! yay! 2. All of the secrecy sounds really interesting, and the summary totally leaves me hanging wondering exactly what's up with Hanna and what exactly makes her not-so normal. 3. I like violet dresses.

So, what book are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday: July 29

Title: Sea Glass

Author: Maria Snyder

Series: Glass series, book #2

US Release date: September 1, 2009

Summary (from Maria Snyder's website): Like the colorful pieces of sea glass washed up on shore, Opal has weathered rough waters and twisting currents. But instead of finding a tranquil eddy, Opal is caught in a riptide. Her unique glass messengers which allow instant communication over vast distances have become a vital part of Sitian society. Once used solely by the Councilors and magicians, other powerful factions are now vying for control. Control of the messengers equals control of Sitia. Unfortunately that also means control of Opal. If that isn’t enough of a problem, Opal’s determination to prove blood magic is still being used is met with strong resistance. The Council doubts her, her mentor doubts her, and even her family is concerned. When her world is turned upside down, she begins to doubt herself. In the end, Opal must decide who to believe, who to trust, and who has control—otherwise she will shatter into a million pieces and be swept out by the tide.

Why I'm interested: Simple: I read Maria Snyder's Study trilogy and loved them all. Then I read Storm Glass and loved it even more (and I didn't think that was possible). And then finally I read the chapter 3 excerpt from Sea Glass and now I don't want to wait a moment longer.

So what are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday: July 22

Title: A Pearl Among Princes

Author: Coleen Paratore

US Release date: September 17, 2009

Summary (from Amazon.com): Gracepearl Coal is the cook’s daughter on Miramore, the island all princes visit for their summer program in the Charming Arts. Each year, the princes-in-training arrive on gallant seacraft, guided by captains trained to navigate the island’s treacherous waters. Passage on one of these boats is the only method to leave the island—thus betrothal to a royal is the only way for Pearl to find her far-off destiny, the one that’s started haunting her dreams. Luckily, this year’s crop of princes include some promising prospects, but how will Pearl leave behind her ailing father or—hardest of all—marry a boy other than her long-time beloved, Mackree . . . who now finds it too painful to even speak to her?

Why I'm interested: First the cover caught my eye. Then, as someone who loves fantasy and romance, I got completely hooked by the summary. And I mean, a summer program in the CHARMING ARTS? What an awesome, clever idea. I'm not sure whether this is going to be a stand alone title or the first in the series, but it sounds like it could be the latter and I think I'd love to read more stories about Miramore.

This Wednesday what are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday: July 15

Title: Ruined

Author: Paula Morris

US Release date: August 1, 2009

Summary (from Amazon.com): Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her aunt. And at the snooty prep school, the filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city. There's just one catch: Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend - and as she slowly learns to trust Anton Grey-she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?

Why I'm interested: I really like ghost stories and old houses (what can I say? my town was founded in 1675 so I'm into the whole historic ghost scene). Beyond that, I like how this sounds like a coming-of-age novel combined with a mystery.

What're you waiting on this Wednesday?

ARCHIVES

REVIEWS

A
Altebrando, Tara - The Pursuit of Happiness

B
Blair, Annette - A Veiled Deception

C
Caletti, Deb - The Secret Life of Prince Charming

D
Decter, Ed - The One: A Chloe Gamble novel
Dolby, Tom - Secret Society
Dokey, Cameron - Wild Orchid
Dunlap, Susanne - The Musician’s Daughter

E
Efaw, Amy - After

F

G

H
Hapka, Catherine - Love on Cue
Herbsman, Cheryl Renée - Breathing
Hines, Jim C. - The Stepsister Scheme
Howard, Chris - Seaborn

I

J
Johnson, Maureen - The Key to the Golden Firebird

K
Kluver, Cayla - Legacy

L
Libby, Alisa - The King’s Rose
Lion, Melissa - Swollen
Lo, Malinda - Ash

M
Mantchev, Lisa - Eyes Like Stars
Marr, Melissa - Fragile Eternity
Murdock, Catherine - Front and Center

N
Neufeld, Sarah - Visibility
Noel, Alyson - Evermore

O
Ockler, Sarah - Twenty Boy Summer
Ostow, Micol - GoldenGirl

P
Patterson, James - Sam’s Letters to Jennifer
Pike, Aprilynne - Wings
Preble, Laura - Prom Queen Geeks

Q

R
Rabe, Jean and Martin Greenberg - Terribly Twisted Tales
Resau, Laura - Red Glass

S
Shakespeare, William - Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare, William - Othello
Shakespeare, William - The Taming of the Shrew
Snyder, Maria V. - Storm Glass

T

U

V

W
Wolff, Virginia Euwer – This Full House

X

Y

Z


WAITING ON WEDNESDAY

2009:

June:
3rd: Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? by Louise Rennison
10th: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson: A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis
17th: Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle
24th: The Hollow by Jessica Verday

July:
1st: Metamorphosis: Junior Year by Betsy Franco
8th: The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
15th: Ruined by Paula Morriss
22nd: A Pearl Among Princes by Coleen Paratore
29th: Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

August:
5th: Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
12th: Candor by Pam Bachorz
19th: Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey
26th: Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

FEED YOUR EARS

I: Lost It by Kristen Tracy
II: Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noel
III: Fade by Lisa McMann
IV: The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
V: Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
VI: Old Magic by Marianne Curley
VII: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and Wicked series by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié VIII: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
IX: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
X: Front and Center by Catherine Murdock
XI: Sea of Love by Jamie Ponti
XII: Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
XIII: Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison
XIV: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
XV: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

INTERVIEWS/GUEST POSTS
August 18, 2009 - Amy Efaw interview
August 21, 2009 - Lisa Mantchev's Eyes Like Stars playlist

OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME & LINKS TO MY REVIEWS

--J. Kaye Book Blog's "A Book Blogger's New Discovery"
--Jim C. Hines' "Canon Fodder"
--Malinda Lo's twitter update
--Laura Resau's "A few tidbits..."
--The Bradford Novels' "Across the Blogoverse, Part 2"
--Catherine Murdock's advance praise for Front and Center

Waiting on Wednesday: July 8

Title:The Unwritten Rule

Author: Elizabeth Scott

US Release date: April 6, 2010

Summary (from Elizabeth Scott's site): I liked him first, but it doesn't matter. I still like him. That doesn't matter either. Or at least, it's not supposed to.

Why I'm interested: So, I know it's not released until 2010, but I couldn't help but choose this book since the cover was just released. I 've read all but one of Elizabeth Scott's books so far and loved them all. I'm glad they released the cover finally - it reminds me of the cover for Perfect You. But anyway, I want to read this not just because I like her books, but because by being about about a girl who falls for her best friend's boyfriend, who can't relate on some level? Considering girl code forbids even looking at a friend's bf or dating him too soon after a break-up, I think this should be a really interesting read.

What are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday: July 1

Title: Metamorphosis: Junior Year

Author: Betsy Franco

US Release date: October 13, 2009

Summary (from Amazon.com): Life. Love. Death. Identity. Ovid’s got a lot on his mind, and he pours it all — as confessions, observations, narrative poems, and drawings — into the pages of a notebook. Inspired by his namesake, he wryly records his classmates’ dramas as modern-day Roman mythology. There’s Sophie and Caleb, the Psyche and Cupid of cyber-couples; poetic Paula, who pursues filmmaker Franny like Apollo chasing Daphne; and graphic novelist Duwayne, a Proserpina shuttling between divorced parents. Meanwhile, Ovid hides his own Olympian struggles: his meth addict sister Thena has run off, leaving him with a suffocating home life and a disturbing secret.

Why I'm interested: First, I'm excited about a YA book nowadays referencing Ovid's "Metamorphoses" (again, I'm an English dork), plus I love notebook-style books. Beyond that, it looks like the graphics (done by Betsy Franco's son) will add a lot to the novel.

Waiting on Wednesday: June 24

Title: The Hollow
Author: Jessica Verday
Series: first in the trilogy
US Release date: September 1, 2009

Summary (from Amazon.com): 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.

Why I'm interested: I'm an English nerd. I mean that because I'm majoring/concentrating in English, but not even "cool" 21st century literature. No, instead I'm apparently a rare student as I LOVE early American lit. Naturally, I've spent plenty of time reading Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hallow," which (though I've been told loosely) sets the backdrop for this book. So for me, Jessica Verday's The Hollow combines the type of literature I love to study with YA lit, the type of literature I love to read for pleasure. Plus, after reading the first chapter, I just wanted to have the entire book in my hands so I could go right on reading (at least it's only about a two month wait).

So, what are you looking forward to this Wednesday?

P.S. Find interesting tidbits related to The Hollow over here.

Waiting on Wednesday: June 17

Title: Betraying Season

Author: Marissa Doyle

Series: Leland Sisters, book 2

US Release date: September 29, 2009 (unfortunately bumped - originally it was supposed to be released this past May)

Summary (from Marissa Doyle's website): Penelope Leland has come to Ireland to study magic and prove to herself that she is as good a witch as her twin sister Persy. But when Niall Keating begins to pay her court, she can’t help being distracted from her studies. Especially when she learns that the handsome young nobleman is reputedly an illegitimate cousin of the new young Queen Victoria, her friend and idol, whom her sister saved from an ambitious wizard’s control spell the year before. Niall Keating has strict orders from his sorceress mother Lady Keating: to make young Miss Leland fall in love with him so that she can be convinced to use her magical powers to help reconcile him to his true father, the Duke of Cumberland, Queen Victoria’s uncle. Niall is delighted to comply until he discovers his mother’s true aim: to assassinate Queen Victoria by magic and put Niall’s father on the throne of England. Penelope is thrilled when Lady Keating reveals her powers and offers to tutor her in magic. But Niall has fallen deeply in love with the lovely young woman. Even if he halts his mother’s evil plans, will Penelope be able to forgive him for trying to seduce her into a plot against her beloved queen?

Why I'm interested: After reading Bewitching Season, I couldn't wait to see what would come for the Leland sisters. I love how Marissa Doyle mixes a bit of historical fact with fantasy as it's great to see my two favorite genres come together in one work. Plus, a bit of romance never hurts, and isn't the cover gorgeous?

P.S. Check out a note from Marissa about the history behind this book here.