Manic Monday! (#7)

Welcome to the seventh edition of Manic Monday! Manic Monday is all about finding things to look forward to on Tuesday, because who loves Monday? And we all know Tuesday means NEW RELEASES!! So each Monday, I'll highlight some books that are coming out the next day. Just a little something to help you find that silver lining!

Well, this week's Manic Monday is a little different... the book I'm highlighting actually comes out on Friday, but I wanted to promote it anyway:

Synopsis:

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.


I know that the Twilight Series takes a lot of heat from people, but I have no problem admitting that I'm a fan. I'm very excited to get something new in the Twilight world. I'm planning a re-read of the entire series before the Eclipse movie comes out so the addition of this short story is perfect! *XOXO*

*REVIEW* Spirit Bound

Synopsis:

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.


Wow. This book was AMAZING. I am a huge fan of the Vampire Academy Series and Spirit Bound is another incredible volume in the fantastic world that Richelle Mead has created.

Spirit Bound picks up a couple months after the events of Blood Promise. We watch as Rose and Lissa graduate from St. Vladimir's Academy and move on to the next phase of their life at the Royal Court. A lot remains up in the air about their future... has Rose redeemed herself enough during her final guardian trials to have a chance of being assigned to Lissa? Or did her trip to Russia permanently alter her path?

Not long after getting situated at the Royal Court, Rose and Lissa embark on a journey that is as dangerous as it is illegal. Will they find the answers they seek with the aid of an unlikely ally? And will being outside of the magical wards that protect them at the Royal Court cost Rose her life, as Dimitri has promised countless times? And if she does survive and make it back to the Royal Court, what consequences will she face for taking the last member of the Dragomir line outside of safety?

These questions and more are answered as this book takes you on a nonstop ride of action and suspense. I found myself holding my breath at times, terrified to flip the page to see what would happen next. A dangerous journey, horrifying attacks, and ruthless enemies threaten all that Rose holds dear. And through it all, there's that nagging question... can she save the man that she loves? Or should she move on, as she has been somewhat trying to do?

Love, friendship, and loyalty are common themes in this book, as they are in the other Vampire Academy novels as well. I think a truly fabulous thing about this volume is the growth that we see in the character of Lissa. We see how much stronger the friendship and bond between Rose and Lissa has grown and we see Lissa willing to sacrifice as much for Rose as Rose has been willing to sacrifice for her. It truly feels that their friendship has attained a level of equality that was missing before. And Lissa performs an act that requires so much strength and courage, it is truly inspiring.

I don't want to say much else because it would be very easy to spoiler if I did. Just know that this book was incredible. If you're a fan of this series, you will NOT be disappointed. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I had serious thoughts about chucking the book at the wall, haha. Seriously. But I loved each and every emotion this book created in me. There's suspense, action, mystery, love, sacrifice, frustration, and heartbreak. Richelle's writing was phenomenal as usual.

I think my only real disappoint in this book comes from what, in my opinion, felt like an anticlimatic moment. I really cannot go into more detail here without seriously spoiling people, but something happened and it did not match my expectations at all, mainly because a character is not acting at ALL like I expected them to. I'm seriously hopeful that the final book, Last Sacrifice, will make up for my disappoint about that "situation". If only December wasn't sooo far away! *whine*

But really, even with the above situation, I loved this book. So go read it RIGHT NOW! You will love it... Happy Reading! *XOXO*

In My Mailbox (#9)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren Here are books I've either won, been given, or bought this past week:

Borrowed:
ARC of Winter Longing by Tricia Mills from my BFF and brain twin, LENA!

Bought:
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell
Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Mag Cabot
Big Boned by Meg Cabot
Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison
White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
Amy & Roger's Epic Tour by Morgan Matson
The Book of Dreams by O.R. Melling
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
3rd Degree by James Patterson
The Necromancer by Michael Scott
Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
Magic Study by Maria Snyder
Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

I went just a teeny bit crazy on B&N.com this week, haha. I was forced to make an online order because my local store didn't have Magic Bleeds and I figured if buying one, why not buy more? Logic that completely stays true to my book addictive nature. If you can't be true to yourself, who can you be true to? :D

What did you get this week? Leave me a link! And as always, Happy Reading! *XOXO*

*REVIEW* The Iron Daughter

Synopsis:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.


The Iron Daughter, the second book in The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa is a fast-paced, action-filled story full of romance, betrayal, friendship, and heartbreaking sacrifice.

The story picks up where The Iron King leaves us, with Meghan accompanying Ash to the Winter Queen's realm. Readers will be unpleasantly suprised to see the change that has come over the Winter Prince. The good news: It doesn't take long to see the motives behind the change and readers will once again find themselves swooning over the dark and brooding prince.

An infiltration, murder, and theft by the Iron Fey forces Meghan and Ash to flee from the Winter Court and they subsequently go on an amazing adventure to stop the Faery war that is brewing between the Summer and Winter Courts. They are joined on this adventure by friendly familiar faces and we meet some new and interesting characters along the way. The action will keep you flipping the pages in a frenzy, dying to know what happens next. This is one of those books you will NOT want to put down.

An unlikely alliance tests our beliefs about the Iron Fey as we see the good they are capable of inside. And heartbreaking sacrifice will have you crying over the pages. The ending is bittersweet as we watch Meghan and Ash make a truly heartwrenching decision... will they choose Faery and the Courts they love, or will they choose to throw all of that away for the love they feel for each other?

This book is truly amazing and if you loved The Iron King, this installment will not disappoint. The writing is stellar, the story is moving and intriguing, and the characters are loveable and real. When this book releases in August, you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy. And then make sure you have a chunk of time to read because once you start, you won't want to put it down. Happy Reading! *XOXO*

RADIANT SHADOWS GIVEAWAY: WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Sorry this was a day late! I meant to do this yesterday, but life decided that wasn't going to happen. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

The winner of a signed copy of Radiant Shadows by the lovely Melissa Marr, chosen by random.org is...

*drumroll*

Donna!

Congratulations, dear! *tosses confetti* An email will be headed your way. Please respond within 48 hours or I'll have to choose someone else. Thanks again to everyone who entered! Another contest will be posted soon. *XOXO*

Crescendo: Prologue and Chapter One!

I'm sure everyone has been posting about this today, but I just can't help it! I LOVED Hush, Hush soooo much. Patch? RAWR. Does not get much better than that boy! Couple a sizzling lit crush with an awesome story, amazing writing, and relatable characters, and you've got a book made of win.

The second book, Crescendo, hits the shelves on October 19th. Becca Fitzpatrick blessed her fans today by releasing a preview of the book. Check out the fallenarchangel site to read the prologue and chapter one. Happy Reading! *XOXO*

Teaser Tuesday: Shadow Kiss

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading!

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read
-Open to a random page
-Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

This week's Teaser Tuesday comes from Shadow Kiss, the third book in the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. I'm in the midst of a re-read of the series since the fifth book, Spirit Bound, just came out last week.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I froze, unable to move or finish going for my stake. I forgot about what I'd been doing and completely lost track of the people and commotion around me. The world slowed down, everything fading around me. There was only Mason-- that ghostly, shimmering Mason who glowed in the dark and seemed like he so badly wanted to tell me something.

Suddenly, something slammed into my shoulder, and I stumbled forward. The world suddenly started up again, snapping me out of the dreamy state I'd just been in. pg 56


I sooo love these books! If you haven't tried this series yet, I HIGHLY recommend you do so right now. A unique take on vamps, friendship, love and deadly sacrifice... this series has it all! Happy Reading! *XOXO*
 
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