Tripping Over April

Mar 31

Tripping Over April

I always have a hard time putting together these posts, guys, because I want to tell you about ALL the books coming out each month because they all sound so great. Alas. But these books here–my most anticipated books coming out this April–are just a good sampling of the super stories that are on tap for us this month. You know what else gets me STOKED for April? LOOK AT ALL THE MIDDLE GRADE. *dies* (Also, re: the pictures–I’ve been spending too much time on Pic Monkey. Forgive me.)book cover for Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers Amazon || Goodreads

My love for this series is hopefully well known by now because it’s INTENSE. IN. TENSE. I’ve read this one already and will be reviewing it as soon as I can gather my thoughts and polish them into something more than “OMFGLOVEFOREVERAHHHAMAZINGBESTEVER.” (April 2 from Houghton Mifflin Children’s)

Book cover for The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy Amazon || Goodreads

Woo hoo!! I’m really excited to see what happens next to this crazy group of Prince Charmings and their ladies, who are all pretty badass themselves. At least the ones we know well, anyway. (April 30 from Walden Pond Press)

Book cover for Rump by Liesl ShurtliffAmazon || Goodreads

This book just sounds so charming and adventurous and fun. I have a soft spot for origin stories, and Rumplestiltskin is a character who intrigues me. He’s one of the darker fairy tale creatures, even when he’s sanitized and on a Xanax or two, so I’m really curious about how Liesl Shurtliff has constructed his youth.  (April 9 from Alfred Knopf)

Book cover for The Flame in the Mist by Kit GrindstaffAmazon || Goodreads

I keep talking about this book, friends, because I’m really looking forward to it. I love a good middle grade fantasy, and this one sounds like it fits the bill. Look at that all that ghostly mist on the cover! (April 9 from Delacorte)

Book cover for This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. SmithAmazon || Goodreads

I’m a big fan of Jennifer E. Smith’s books, so I’m really excited about this one. It sounds cute and full of feels, plus there’s a beach town in Maine. LOVE THOSE. (April 2 from Poppy)

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Waiting on Wednesday (26): All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry

Mar 27

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

All Our Pretty Songs

by Sarah McCarry

Book cover for All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry

Amazon | Goodreads

The first book in an exciting YA trilogy, this is the story of two best friends on the verge of a terrifying divide when they begin to encounter a cast of strange and mythical characters.

Set against the lush, magical backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, two inseparable best friends who have grown up like sisters—the charismatic, mercurial, and beautiful Aurora and the devoted, soulful, watchful narrator—find their bond challenged for the first time ever when a mysterious and gifted musician named Jack comes between them. Suddenly, each girl must decide what matters most: friendship, or love. What both girls don’t know is that the stakes are even higher than either of them could have imagined. They’re not the only ones who have noticed Jack’s gift; his music has awakened an ancient evil—and a world both above and below which may not be mythical at all. The real and the mystical; the romantic and the heartbreaking all begin to swirl together, carrying the two on journey that is both enthralling and terrifying.

And it’s up to the narrator to protect the people she loves—if she can.

GUYS. THIS BOOK sounds so freaking intriguing and wonderful, right? I’m completely taken with this talk of mystical goings on, mythical creatures, a talented musician, ancient evils, romance, heartbreak, AND MORE. Also, it’s a debut. AND AND! What is the deal with the narrator being nameless in this summary? Methinks this is a THING, no? One more little thing that endears this book to me: ALL OUR PRETTY SONGS takes place in the Pacific Northwest, home to bands like Nirvana. The title of this book is a lyric from my favorite Nirvana song, In Bloom. Quite frankly, it’s the only Nirvana song I like (always had a softer spot for Pearl Jam), but the title reminds me of when I was a youngster and Nirvana was new and cool, not classic rock like it is now. It makes Sarah McCarry‘s book strike another chord with me.

ALL OUR PRETTY SONGS by Sarah McCarry comes out on July 30, 2013 from St. Martin’s Griffin

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Tripping Over March

Mar 1

Seven Books I’m Looking Forward to in March

Guys, I forgot how many INCREDIBLE books are coming out this month?! Who knew that March was such a promising month for book releases! There are so many books that I can’t wait to read coming out this month that I had to shout out more than five. Woot!

book cover for legacy of the clockwork key by Kristin bailey

Amazon | Goodreads

Legacy of the Clockwork Key: The Secret Order #1 by Kristin Bailey

I’m sorry, did someone say the name of this series is “The Secret Order”? I mean, honestly. It does have a definite steampunky aspect, which isn’t always my jam, but this whole secret order/dangerous invention/stable boy romance are pushing all of my good buttons. (Simon Pulse, March 5)

Book cover for Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Amazon | Goodreads

Let the Sky Fall: Let the Sky Fall #1 by Shannon Messenger

WORD WEATHER! I love reading about weather, and this book about elementals is totally up my alley. TOTALLY. (Simon Pulse, March 5)

Book cover for Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson

Amazon | Goodreads

Strands of Bronze and Gold: Strands of Bronze and Gold #1 by Jane Nickerson

I will forever die to read fairy tale retellings. FOREVER. The Bluebeard tale is…pretty dark, friends. What with all those DEAD BODIES being kept locked up in a room and whatnot. But this Southern Gothic retelling sounds like the bees knees. (Random House Children’s, March 12)

book cover for poison by bridget zinn

Amazon | Goodreads

Poison by Bridget Zinn

LOOK AT THAT PIGGEH!! Also, debut fantasy about a girl who must poison her former BFF–and the king–in order to save her home from destruction…except her plan to assassinate the king FAILS and she has to go on the run. Sounds AWESOME. (Disney Hyperion, March 12)

Book cover for Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Amazon | Goodreads

Clockwork Princess: The Infernal Devices #3 by Cassandra Clare

I’m listening to book 2, CLOCKWORK PRINCE, right now and I’m really digging it (maybe this has something to do with the fact that Ed Westwick–who has THE hottest voice EVER–narrates some of it). I’m obviously not sure yet what hangs in the balance for this series’ conclusion, but I’m confident that it’s going to be insane. (Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 19)

Book cover for The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar

Amazon | Goodreads

The Art of Wishing: The Art of Wishing #1 by Lindsay Ribar

I just right now realized that this book–a debut about a young girl who meets and falls for a genie–is going to be a series. Super! Bring it, genie lovers! Also: the author is a Jersey girl. PROPS. (Dial BFYR, March 21)

Book cover for Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Amazon | Goodreads

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Friends, SEAN GRISWOLD’S HEAD was one of the most surprising in the best way ever books I’ve read. This one, about a girl who eschews all modern technology when her boyfriend cheats on her, sounds adorable with lots of room for meaningfulness. (Bloomsbury, March 26)

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Waiting on Wednesday (25): Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

Feb 20

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

by April Genevieve Tucholke

Book cover for Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Amazon | Goodreads

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery…who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch.

YOU GUYS. I am looking forward to this debut SO HARD. First of all, BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA takes place…well…near the ocean. I’m a big sucker for books with seaside settings. But I’m mostly loving the kind of dark and twisted vibe I’m getting from this summary. I’m intrigued by this River character, who may or may not be the Devil himself. Usually beach reads are kind of fluffy and light…this one sounds like the exact opposite. BRING IT, April Genevieve Tucholke!! 

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is coming out August 15, 2013 from Dial.

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Tripping Over February

Feb 8

Five Books I’m Looking Forward to in February

Teensy bit behind this month, friends, but that it NO WAY dampens my excitement for these five books! Because trust me: I. AM. STOKED.

Book cover for Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Amazon | Goodreads

Scarlet: The Lunar Chronicles #2 by Marissa Meyer

I actually already read this book. And bought it. AND LOVED IT TO BITS AND PIECES. Go forth. Read it. Buy it. Love it. (Feiwel and Friends, February 5.)

Book cover for The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Amazon | Goodreads

The Madness Underneath: Shades of London #2 by Maureen Johnson

THE NAME OF THE STAR is one of those books that basically has been on mind since I finished it two years ago. It was my favorite Maureen Johnson book by far, and I’m very much looking forward to more Rory and the Shades! Plus, CREEPY LONDON PARANORMAL STUFF. (Putnam Juvenile, February 26)

Book cover for Revel by Maurissa Guibord

Amazon | Goodreads

Revel by Maurissa Guibord

Friends, this book sounds SO PROMISING. It’s got paranormal creepiness in the form of weird mythological things, secret societies, mist, and a young girl who’s searching for answers about her family. It sounds BANANAS and I can’t wait. (Delacorte BFYR, February 12)

Book cover for Pivot Point by Kasie West

Amazon | Goodreads

Pivot Point: Pivot Point #1 by Kasie West

THIS book sounds so interesting! It’s about a girl who can see the future and make decisions based on the fact that she can see different outcomes to the same issue. WHATT!!?? Yes, please. (Harper Teen, February 12)

Book cover for Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Amazon | Goodreads

Perfect Scoundrels: The Heist Society #3 by Ally Carter

HONESTLY. I’m always going to be down with this series about teen thieves. This installment sounds extra-fraught because Hale winds up in some trouble. He inherits big money and finds himself not able to do the stealing so much anymore. But listen: if Kat and Hale don’t get in some LEGIT kissing, I’m going to be a little annoyed. Turn up the volume on that please, Ally. (Hyperion Books for Children, 2/5)

 

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Waiting on Wednesday (24): The Outside by Laura Bickle

Feb 6

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

The Outside: The Hallowed Ones #2

by Laura Bickle

Book cover for The Outside by Laura Bickle

Amazon | Goodreads

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?

Friends, Laura Bickle‘s THE HALLOWED ONES was legit one of the creepiest, most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely loved the time we spent in Katie’s Amish community, and I loved how that increased the tension between their world and the outside (heyo!), where the evil, EVIL vampires lurk in the night. Chills, friends. CHILLS. 

To say that I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel, where Katie is forced out of the only life she’s ever known into the vampire-infested world, is an understatement. THE OUTSIDE sounds like it’s going to bring the fear and take it up a notch. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Katie and Alex. One of my favorite aspects of THE HALLOWED ONES was the Amish setting, so I’m curious about what is going to take the place of that environment, but I’m confident that Laura Bickle is going to BRING IT.

THE OUTSIDE is coming out September 3, 2013 from Harcourt Children’s Books.

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Waiting on Wednesday (23): Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols

Jan 23

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

Dirty Little Secret

by Jennifer Echols

Book cover for Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols

Amazon | Goodreads

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…

SHUT UP, FIDDLER. I can’t even deal with the fact that Jennifer Echols is taking on music right now. She’s gotten me to read about cops (DUH love them), swimmers, horses, pilots, and now musicians. Is there anyone out there who thinks she’s not going to knock DIRTY LITTLE SECRET one out of the park, too? And I’m loving that this has a sister vibe going on, too. I really enjoy reading about siblings, especially when there’s drama. 

Honestly, though, let’s just cut to the chase: Sam. First of all, he’s in a band. Second of all, he’s the guitar player. Third of all, he lives in Nashville, which is one of those cities that I would LOVE to go to. I’m swooning over the little bits we get of him in just the two sentences up there in the synopsis. I can’t even IMAGINE how swoony he’s going to be in DIRTY LITLE SECRET. Am I the only Nashville watcher who is getting Gunnar and Scarlett feels from this synopsis??? AHHH YAY!! Love Jennifer Echols so much!

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is coming out July 16, 2013 from MTV Books.

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Waiting on Wednesday (22): Poison by Bridget Zinn

Jan 16

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

Poison

by Bridget Zinn

book cover for poison by bridget zinn

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

I am ALWAYS on the lookout for solid-sounding new fantasies, friends, and POISON by Bridget Zinn sounds like exactly that. The story of Kyra sounds not only full of fantasy goodness, but also emotional stress and complicated relationships, what with former best friends who are current heirs to the throne and ex-boyfriends who hang around. ALSO ALSO ALSO!! THERE’S A CUTE PIG!! AHHH! First of all, the little piggy is on the cover. Love it. Second of all, he also merits a mention in the synopsis, which means there’s a great chance of some important piggy moments in the book. (I love pigs. I think they’re adorable, especially baby ones.)

In fact, the only bummer about POISON is the fact that it’s the first and last book that we’ll likely ever get from Bridget Zinn–she passed away last year. Epic sad face. But her debut effort sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it.

POISON is coming out March 12, 2013 from Disney Hyperion.

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Waiting on Wednesday (21): Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell

Jan 9

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I love it because it is basically a squee-fest where book lovers can choose one book that they are DYING to get their hands on. Check it out!

Handbook for Dragon Slayers

by Merrie Haskell

Book cover for Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell

When a runaway princess throws her lot in with a couple of would-be dragon slayers, before long she is facing down the Wild Hunt, befriending enchanted horses, battling fire-breathing dragons, and learning more about herself than she ever expected…

I can’t deal with how amazing this sounds, guys. A runaway princess, dragonslayers, enchanted horses. I DIE. Seriously. That little blurb is so freaking short, but I’m still fidgeting with anticipation. I read and very much enjoyed Merrie Haskell’s THE PRINCESS CURSE, which was a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses tale. But this one sounds like high fantasy at it’s best. PLUS. I love the cover! The illustration is so incredible!

HANDBOOK FOR DRAGON SLAYERS is coming out May 28, 2013 from Harper Collins.

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Tripping Over January

Jan 1

Five Books I’m Looking Forward to in January

New year = clean reading slate, friends. I can’t believe how many excellent books are coming out this year, and how many of them are coming out THIS MONTH! 2013 is off to a great start, guys, and I’m particularly excited to start the year by reading these five books (among others, no doubt).

Book cover for Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Amazon | Goodreads

Just One Day: Just One Day #1 by Gayle Forman 

I just loved Gayle Forman’s previous duo, IF I STAY/WHERE SHE WENT, and I’m hearing really excellent things about JUST ONE DAY. I’m dying to read it. DYING.

Book cover for Prodigy by Marie Lu

Amazon | Goodreads

Prodigy: Legend #2 by Marie Lu

DUH. LEGEND is one of my favorite dystopians. I even liked it a touch better than DIVERGENT. I’ve been fortunate enough to read PRODIGY already and, guys? I promise, this is one of the best series around right now. Great action, great pacing, great characters, great world-building. ALL GREAT THINGS.

The Archived

Amazon | Goodreads

The Archived: The Archived #1 by Victoria Schwab

Umm, a book about kick-ass librarians who are keepers of the DEAD who exist as BOOKS?? I can’t even. It just sounds so clever and, if it’s anything like THE NEAR WITCH, a little dark and gorgeous, too.

Book cover for The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Amazon | Goodreads

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Friends, I am reading this one right now and REALLY enjoying myself. It’s one of those fantasies where it just kind of effortlessly  (even though you can totally tell that so much thought went into the world-building) sucks you in and strings you along. I’m only about a quarter of the way through and I’m invested in the drama, and the characters are unique and have great relationships. (I’m loving the contentious doings between Savoy and Renee!)

Book cover for Shadowlands by Kate Brian

Amazon | Goodreads

Shadowlands by Kate Brian

I’m totally fascinated by the sound of this one, friends. A contemp about a young girl who survives an attack by a serial killer who must go into witness protection when he gets out of jail, only to have mysterious things happen in the new home she shares with her father and sister. It sounds mysterious and awesome.

 

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