Waiting On Wednesday: SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 

Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

SHADOW OF THE FOX

by Julie Kagawa

Expected release date: October 2nd, 2018

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

Once every thousand years...

Every millennium, one age ends and another age dawns...

and whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers holds the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for any one wish. The time is near... and the missing pieces of the scroll will be sought throughout the land of Iwagoto. The holder of the first piece is a humble, unknown peasant girl with a dangerous secret.

Demons have burned the temple Yumeko was raised in to the ground, killing everyone within, including the master who trained her to both use and hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers. Yumeko escapes with the temple's greatest treasure - one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of a mysterious samurai, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan. Yumeko knows he seeks what she has... and is under orders to kill anything and anyone who stands between him and the scroll.

A wish will be granted and a new age will dawn.

MY THOUGHTS

I am SO happy that we are all getting another book/series from Julie Kagawa!!!

Although I have not been able to finish her TALON series yet (sorry! I plan to!), I have been a fan since the first book of the IRON FEY was released!

There are SO many good things that this summary has to offer! Some things that caught my eye are...

- "... ask for any one wish."

- "... unknown peasant girl with a dangerous secret."

- "Demons..."

- "... hide her kitsune shapeshifting powers."

I'm excited about this, are you???

What else are you dying to get your hands on soon???

Waiting On Wednesday: THE SISTERS OF THE WINTER WOOD by Rena Rossner (A)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 

Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

THE SISTERS OF THE WINTER WOOD

by Rena Rossner

Expected release date: September 2018

Published by: Redhook (Hachette Books)

Genre: Adult Fantasy, Magical Realism

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

Raised in a small village surrounded by vast forests, Liba and Laya have lived a peaceful sheltered life - even if they've heard of troubling times for Jews elsewhere. When their parents travel to visit their dying grandfather, the sisters are left behind in their home in the woods.

But before they leave, Liba discovers the secret that their Tati can transform into a bear, and their Mami into a swan. Perhaps, Liba realizes, the old fairy tales are true. She must guard this secret carefully, even from her beloved sister.

Soon a troupe of mysterious men appear in town and Laya falls under their spell - despite their mother's warning to be wary of strangers. And these are not the only dangers lurking in the woods...

The sisters will need each other if they are to become the women they need to be - and save their people from the dark forces that draw closer. 

MY THOUGHTS

It is so rare for me to find a fairytale-ish/magical realism adult lit story... but the summary also reads as if this could be a Young Adult crossover...? 

I want to say that this is a retelling, but I cannot seem to remember which one(s). If you have any idea if it is, please do let me know!

What caught my eye from the summary... 

- "... the sisters are left behind in their home in the woods."

- "... Liba discovers the secret that their Tati can transform into a bear, and their Mami into a swan."

- "... a troupe of mysterious men appear in town and Laya falls under their spell..."

And, isn't the cover stunning?!

What are you currently waiting to be released???

Waiting On Wednesday: SEA WITCH by Sarah Henning (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 

Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

SEA WITCH

by Sarah Henning

Expected release date: July 31st, 2018

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy - Fairytale Retelling

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

Everyone knows what happens in the end.

A mermaid, a prince, a true love's kiss.

But before that young siren's tale, there were three friends.

One feared, one royal, and one already dead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ever since her best friend, Anna, drowned, Evie has been an outcast in her small fishing town. A freak. A curse. A witch.

A girl with an uncanny resemblance to Anna appears offshore and, thought the girl denies it, Evie is convinced that her best friend actually survived. That her own magic wasn't so powerless after all. And, as the two girls catch the eyes - and hearts - of two charming princes, Evie believes that she might finally have a chance at her own happily ever after.

But her new friend has secrets of her own. She can't stay in Havenestad, or on two legs, unless Evie finds a way to help her. Now Evie will do anything to save her friend's humanity, along with her prince's heart - harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love until she discovers, too late, the truth of her bargain.

The rise of Hans Christian Andersen's iconic villainess is a heart-wrenching story of friendship, betrayal, and a girl pushed beyond her limits - to become a monster.

MY THOUGHTS

It's a sort of retelling of the Little Mermaid; more like a prequel - Ursula's story before she became an evil witch!!! You all must know by now that I will pretty much read anything fairytale and/or retelling of a fairytale, especially if it's about a villain!

Catchy key phrases from the summary are...

- "She can't stay... on two legs..."

- "... save her friend's humanity, along with her prince's heart..."

- "...harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love..."

Can't. Wait!!!

What are you excited about reading soon??? 

Waiting On Wednesday: SPINNING SILVER by Naomi Novik (A)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 

Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

SPINNING SILVER

by Naomi Novik

Expected release date: July 10th, 2018

Published by: Del Rey (Penguin Random House)

Genre: Adult Fairytale Retelling/Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Paperback, Audiobook

SUMMARY

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders... but her father isn't a very good one. Free to lend and reluctant to collect, he has loaned out most of his wife's dowry and left the family on the edge of poverty - until Miryem steps in. Hardening her heart against her fellow villagers' pleas, she sets out to collect what is owed - and finds herself more than up to the task. When her grandfather loans her a pouch of silver pennies, she brings it back full of gold.

But having the reputation of being able to change silver to gold can be more trouble than it's worth - especially when her father becomes tangled with the cold creatures that haunt the wood, and whose king has learned of her reputation and wants to exploit it for reasons Miryem cannot understand. 

MY THOUGHTS

It is a RUMPELSTILTSKIN RETELLING!!!

I repeat - it is a RUMPELSTILTSKIN RETELLING!!!

One of my all-time favorites!!!

And UPROOTED was SOOO amazing, that I decided to go ahead and order the Goldsboro limited number signed edition of SPINNING SILVER the moment the pre-order was available! 

Some eye-catching phrases from the summary are...
- "When her grandfather loans her pouch full of silver pennies, she brings it back full of gold."
- "... tangled with the cold creatures that haunt the wood..." 

I cannot wait to read this book!!!

What are you currently waiting for???

Waiting On Wednesday: BROKEN THINGS by Lauren Oliver

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. 

Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

BROKEN THINGS

by Lauren Oliver

Expected release date: October 2nd, 2018

Published by: Harper Collins

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Mystery/Thriller

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

It's been five years since Summer Marks was brutally murdered in the woods.

Everyone thinks Mia and Brynn killed their best friend.

That driven by their obsessions with a novel called THE WAY INTO LOVELORN, the three girls had imagined themselves into the magical world where their fantasies became twisted, even deadly.

The only thing is: they didn't do it.

On the anniversary of Summer's death, a seemingly insignificant discovery resurrects the mystery and pulls Mia and Brynn back together once again. But as the lines begin to blur between past and present and fiction and reality, the girls must confront what really happened in the woods all those years ago - no matter how monstrous. 

MY THOUGHTS

If you've been following me for a while, you know how much of a fan I am of Lauren Oliver's books and writing... I'll add a pic of my Lauren Oliver shelf down below for you to see the proof ;) 

I see that on Goodreads BROKEN THINGS has been labeled as a Young Adult book. However, I was under the impression that this was an Adult rating because, first, this takes place five years after their friend was killed, making me feel that these girls may be in the New Adult genre?... and, since it is being released directly under Harper Collins and not from one of their Young Adult imprints...??? 

Key phrases that has me super excited to read this as soon as it is released (unless, by some miracle, I can get/borrow an ARC copy, please!) 

- "Everyone thinks Mia and Brynn killed their best friend."

- "... the three girls imagined themselves into a magical world..."

- "The only thing is: they didn't do it."

- "... no matter how monstrous."

What do you think??? 

What are you anxious to get your hands on soon???

Waiting On Wednesday: GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE by Natasha Ngan (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Breaking the Spine. I'm sure that I am not alone in saying that we all miss her sharing her posts with us. If anyone knows what has happened to Jill and can confirm that she is okay, I'd greatly appreciate it!... Waiting On Wednesday is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!! And I am so happy to be able to start sharing my most anticipated reads again!

GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE

by Natasha Ngan

Expected release date: November 6th, 2018

Published by: Jimmy Patterson Books (Little Brown)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Hardback, eBook

SUMMARY

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king.

It's the highest honor they could hope for... and the most cruel.

But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.

In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.

Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge. 

Trigger warning: violence and sexual abuse. 

MY THOUGHTS

If you didn't know, I am a huge fan of fantasy stories, my second go-to genre (my first preference being fairytales and magical realism)... 

Key phrases from the summary that caught my interest: 

- "...the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest."

- "...she does the unthinkable - she falls in love."

- "justice and revenge."

(Please be aware of the trigger warning.) 

What are you excited to read soon?!?!

Waiting on Wednesday #151: THE MAGNOLIA STORY by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Mark Dagostino (A)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

THE MAGNOLIA STORY

by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Mark Dagostino

Expected release date: October 18th, 2016

Published by Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins)

Genre: Adult Lit

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

SUMMARY

"Are you ready to see your fixer upper???"

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTVs Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like Who are these people? What's the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? Be renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America's new best friends. 

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today. 

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day. 

In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover: The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby. Joanna's agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children. When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck. Joanna's breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home. Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple. Memories and photos from Chip and Jo's wedding. The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do. The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way. 

And yet there is still on lingering question for fans of the show: Is Chip really that funny?

"Oh yeah," says Joanna. "He was, and still is, my first fixer upper."

Why I'm waiting on THE MAGNOLIA STORY... 

First... have you seen their show??? 
It's rare to find people that seem genuinely caring, sweet, funny and loving on tv! I really enjoy watching fixer-upper reality shows - I like seeing the before and afters, the creativity, the odd pieces of furniture some use to show the houses once they're ready to sell; but this couple not only accomplishes all of that, they do it in such a fun and loving way - I'm always smiling along with them and feel like they could be my bestest friends.

Next... I'm honestly not a 'reality tv' show kind of person. The drama either seems to fake or it totally stresses me out. This is one of those rare shows where I feel like I can say that I'm a fan and would really like to know more about them as a couple, their business and any other tidbits that they're offering to share with us.

And lastly.... is Chip really as funny in real life as he is on tv???
I think he is, lol! Probably more goofy than they try to portray him to be! 

Well, don't hold back - what are you waiting for this week??? 

Waiting on Wednesday#150: BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE by Rosamund Hodge (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE

by Rosamund Hodge

Expected release date: September 27th, 2016

Published by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Re-telling

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

SUMMARY

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city's most powerful - and warring - families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan - and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die. 

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong - killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy... and perhaps turn against his own clan. 

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city - but she's the only one who believes it's in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death - and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara. 

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. 

Why I'm waiting on BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE... 

First! It is a Romeo and Juliet retelling!!!

Yes, I'm one of those girls! But, I'm more into the whole tragedy of their story than the "romance" of it...

Next - I'm not sure, but rumor has it that their are necromancers? Reapers? Not zombies, but people are being brought back to the dead somehow... I am not a zombie person! I do NOT like the Walking Dead or anything zombie-like; but for some odd reason, this book intrigues me... 

And, lastly - I'm in love with Rosamund Hodge's writing!

Have you read Cruel Beauty??? A Beauty and the Beast fantasy retelling!

Have you read Crimson Bound??? An amazing rendition of Little Red Riding Hood!!!

You MUST!!!

SOOO, what are you waiting for???

Waiting On Wednesday #149: REPLICA by Lauren Oliver (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

It has been TOO long since I have done a W.o.W. post! And I am SOOO excited to get back into posting and blogging regularly again!!!

Can't wait to catch up and see what you all have added to your wishlists :) 

REPLICA

by Lauren Oliver

Expected release date: October 4th, 2016

Published by HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult 

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook 

SUMMARY

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. 'A sickly child', her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father's connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she's always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father's name seems inextricably linked to it. 

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute's walls, Lyra - or number 24 as she is known as at Haven - and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing, they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven's purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever. 

Why am I SOOO looking forward to reading REPLICA???... 

First, if you haven't seen, I am a HUGE Lauren Oliver fan! And I have the "Lauren Oliver" bookshelf to back me up on that, lol! 

Next... have you seen the format of this book?!?!?

It's two books in one! On one side, you get to read Gemma's side of the story. And on the other side, you read Lyra's side of the story. Oliver has also said that you can read both their stories at the same time!!! Just by flipping over back and forth with each chapter!!! How amazing is that??? 

And lastly, just because!!! 

OMG, I seriously cannot wait to read this one!!!

P.S. If anyone has a REPLICA ARC that they would like to trade, even if it's in the near future, I'd be happy to try to work something out with you! I would truly love to have a copy to add to my 'Lauren Oliver Collection' *hee hee*

SO, what are you waiting for???

Waiting On Wednesday #148: ETERNAL SACRIFICE (Mortal Enchantment #4) by Stacey O'Neale (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

ETERNAL SACRIFICE

Mortal Enchantment, Book 4

by Stacey O'Neale

Expected release date: June 28th, 2016

Published by: Phoenix Reign Publishing

Genre: Young Adult

Format: eBook

SUMMARY

The explosive conclusion to Stacey O’Neale’s award-winning Mortal Enchantment series reveals the secrets of the fantasy world!

Valac has stolen two of the sacred objects. In a bid to rule all four courts, he has threatened to use Excalibur to cut the mist that protects Avalon — ultimately ending the lives of thousands of elementals. As the Akasha, Kalin has the power to stop him. And she refuses to lose anyone else she loves.

Will she have to sacrifice herself to save them?

Desperate to save Kalin’s life, Rowan searches for the long-lost creator of the mist. But what he finds is the very last thing he expected. Everything he thought he knew about his past is turned upside down, and he questions whether he’s meant to be the savior or the elemental that destroys them all.

Told from Kalin, Rowan, and Marcus’s perspective, the final installment to the series follows their journey of courage, duty, sacrifice, and love. 

PRE-ORDER LINK

Amazon

Why I am waiting on the edge of my seat for ETERNAL SACRIFICE... 

First, if you haven't read these books yet, or if they're not even on your TBR or wishlist, I don't think we can stay friends unless you listen to me! You need these books in your life! You need to know Rowan!!!...
(and by that I mean that you just need to get to know him and stuff, because, he's kinda mine and I'll share his story, but not him! He was mine first! Ha!!!)

But, seriously, you need to read it!
Here's the link to book one's ebook - it's free!!!

Second, if you loved Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series (which I love!!!), you will definitely love the Mortal Enchantment series... similar world, but very different and both are written SO amazingly!

Next... I just need to get back into this world! So many wonderful characters, elements and world-building! I miss being in it!!!

And, lastly, but certainly not in the least... ROWAN!!!
Sigh...

(I'll act my age when I'm too old to act differently!!!)

You can read my reviews here:
Book one, THE SHADOW PRINCE
Book two, MORTAL ENCHANTMENT
Book three, FRAGILE REIGN


(Also, all thoughts, opinions, reviews, etc. are mine and mine alone. I did not get compensated in anyway for this post.)


SO, what are you currently waiting for??? 

Waiting On Wednesday #147: SEVEN BLACK DIAMONDS by Melissa Marr (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

SEVEN BLACK DIAMONDS

by Melissa Marr

Expected release date: March 1st, 2016

Published by HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult

Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

SUMMARY

This riveting fantasy marks Melissa Marr’s return to the world of faery courts that made her Wicked Lovely series an international phenomenon.

Lilywhite Abernathy is a criminal — she’s half human, half fae, and since the time before she was born, a war has been raging between humans and faeries. The Queen of Blood and Rage, ruler of the fae courts, wants to avenge the tragic death of her heir due to the actions of reckless humans.

Lily’s father has always shielded her, but when she’s sent to the prestigious St. Columba’s school, she’s delivered straight into the arms of a fae sleeper cell — the Black Diamonds. 

The Diamonds are planted in the human world as the sons and daughters of the most influential families and tasked with destroying it from within. Against her will, Lilywhite’s been chosen to join them... and even the romantic attention of the fae rock singer Creed Morrison isn’t enough to keep Lily from wanting to run back to the familiar world she knows.

Melissa Marr returns to faery in a dramatic story of the precarious space between two worlds and the people who must thrive there. The combination of ethereal fae powers, tumultuous romance, and a bloodthirsty faery queen will have longtime fans and new readers at the edge of their seats. 

Why I'm waiting for SEVEN BLACK DIAMONDS...

YESSS! A new fae story!!! From Melissa Marr herself!!!

Fae + tumultuous romance!!!

And a bloodthristy fae queen... I'm on the edge of my seat already!!!

Can't. Wait.

SO, what are you waiting for?????