Waiting On Wednesday (21): Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for! 

This Week's Pick: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan

Publisher: Random House

Release Date: September 11th, 2012

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

I know I've said this in my last two Waiting On Wednesday picks but man, what a cover! Not gorgeous in an outward way, but so so pretty. I love the cut out forms especially the gate, and the pink color sets it off so well. Very nice.

This book sounds extremely interesting. Lots of intrigue and mystery which I really enjoy, if done well. The characters look to be unique and smart, which is something I always appreciate in a novel. I haven't heard too many early reviews, but the once I have have been extremely postive! I can't wait to read the intriguing story behind the beautiful cover!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

All Covered Up: Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

I've been trying to feature covers more on the blog, but have been having a bit of trouble (mostly cause I have a seriously irrational fear that I'm going to do some sort of copyright infringement or something and be sued. My anxiety of random things often gets the better of me). I adore covers. I think they can really add to the atmosphere of a book and can add so much more appeal. So to balance my cover love and odd fears, I've decided to post about both new covers and ones that I really enjoy!

Recently the cover was revealed for Miranda Kenneally's third novel, Things I Can't Forget. And I absolutely adore it. Here it is with the very short description courtesy of Goodreads.

Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker. Set at summer camp, this book is about a girl named Kate falling in love for the first time. 

I'm such a fan of this cover. It's pretty clean and simple, but has a sweet and light edge to it. Oddly enough, the story seems to have a much heavier subject, dealing with issues like religion and abortion (this according to Kenneally's website). I love the old school bikes, and the couple holding hands, and I really want that girl's dress! I also like that a sports field is incorporated, as most of Kenneally's novels seem to deal with female athletes. It's a great cover for what is sure to be a great novel. Her debut, Catching Jordan was awesome, so I'm really looking forward to this novel, as well as her fall release, Stealing Parker.

Things I Can't Forget is out April 1st, 2013 from Sourcebooks Fire! And if that's too long of a wait, Stealing Parker is out in October!

Stacking the Shelves (11)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which bloggers share the books they stacked their shelves with during the week!

So, my pile to add to my shelf this week is small. Actually, it's not really even a pile. I only got one book, and while normally I would just postpone my Stacking the Shelves until a later week, I had to showcase this book, because I am so beyond excited! Here it is:

Reading in my hammock

Borrowed:

- (ARC) Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Yep! That's right. I currently have sitting on my shelf Scarlet, the second book in the Lunar Chronicles! Technically, it's not actually mine. Just mine for a bit. Katherine (from The Lady Critic's Library), one of the Ottawa Bloggers, received a copy of it, and agreed to share it with the rest of us. We have little list and each blogger is reading then passing it along. And now it's my turn! So thank you Katherine for letting us borrow it, and thanks to Kathy (from A Glass of Wine) for passing it along!

What did you stack your shelves with this week?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Women of the Otherworld: Mini Challenge #6

So, I haven't entirely kept up with my promise to read 100 pages of Stolen a day. In my defense, I've been reading a seriously awesome book and have been a bit distracted with that. I have, once again, decided to participate in the next Mini-Challenge though, so here are the rules (taken directly from Moonlight Gleam's website):

Go to the last page you've read and create phrases with the last word of each line. You can use punctuations that follow the words you use. YOU MUST USE ALL THE WORDS AND THEY MUST BE IN ORDER. Don't worry if the phrases make no sense at all, I just thought it would be fun to see what we come up with!
Don't forget to include the page number, as well as the book cover and synopsis!

Even though she's the world's only female werewolf, Elena Michaels is just a regular girl at heart -- with larger than normal appetites. She sticks to three feasts a day, loves long runs in the moonlight, and has a lover who is unbelievable frustrating yet all the more sexy for his dark side. Like every regular girl, she certainly doesn't believe in witches. Then again, when two small, ridiculously feminine women manage to hurl her against a wall, and then save her from the hunters on her tail, Elena realizes that maybe there are more things in heaven and earth than she's dreamt of.

Vampires, demons, shamans, witches -- in Stolen they all exist, and they're all under attack. An obsessed tycoon with a sick curiosity is well on his way to amassing a private collection of supernaturals, and plans to harness their powers for himself -- even if it means killing them. For Elena, kidnapped and imprisoned deep underground, separated from her Pack, unable to tell her friends from her enemies, choosing the right allies is a matter of life and death. (Summary from Goodreads)

Chapter "Introductions", Page 78: You. Convince demon quickly conjure self-protection magic. Cassandra nodded, ever-popular kidding. A they they certain predefined Witch hmm. Jeremy these Elena. Me. Jealous. Said. Percent warning. Tongue-lashing were story.

Apparently Cassandra is supposed to conjure a self-protection demon and Elena is jealous of a prefefined Witch hmm. Well, that's an interesting take on the story!

What did you guys come up with with your current reads?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Women of the Otherworld Challenge (1): Bitten

Title: Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1)

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Random House of Canada

Release Date: September 25th, 2001

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 5/5

Living in Toronto for a year, Elena is leading the normal life she has always dreamed of, including a stable job as a journalist and a nice apartment shared with her boyfriend. As the lone female werewolf in existence, only her secret midnight prowls and her occasional inhuman cravings set her apart. Just one year ago, life was very different. Adopted by the Pack when bitten, Elena had spent years struggling with her resentment at having her life stolen away. Torn between two worlds, and overwhelmed by the new passions coursing through her body, her only option for control was to deny her awakening needs and escape.

But now the Pack has called Elena home to help them fight an alliance of renegade werewolves who are bent on exposing and annihilating the Pack. And although Elena is obliged to rejoin her "family," she vows not to be swept up in Pack life again, no matter how natural it might feel. She has made her choice. Trouble is, she's increasingly uncertain if it's the right one.

(Note: This is an ADULT book. I don't usually review adult books on the blog, but I'm making an exception solely for the Women of the Otherworld Challenge)
 
I couldn't stop thinking this book.

It dominated my mind for days afterwards. I searched for any story involving Elena and Clay, and read them all with fervor. And the best part? I'd already read them all before. I think it's pretty amazing that rereading a story could have such an impact on me. That is the sign of one excellent book, and tons of amazing characters.

When I first read this book, I was fifteen. It was one of the first adult books I'd ever read, and it is, to this day, one of my favorites. I found myself completely addicted to the novel. I was committed to finding out the outcome of Clay and Elena's tumultuous relationship, and who was behind the attacks on the Pack members. I wanted to be a part of this loving, hilarious Pack, and take a trip to the seemingly gorgeous Stonehaven. Everything about this novel drew me in, and Kelley Armstrong's creativity and writing style made me realize the potential of adult books. As soon as I finished the novel, I went out and bought the second, then third, then fourth and so on until I came to a halt having to order the ninth book. I just loved everything about them, and I simply couldn't get enough of the Otherworld.

Bitten is probably my favorite of the series, simply because I love Elena and Clay. They have such amazing chemistry, and adorable wit I couldn't help but love them both. It was a great way to start off this amazing series, and I can't wait to re-read it again and again.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Psst...want to learn more about the Women of the Otherworld Challenge and how to participate? Well, click here.

Find This Book: Amazon | Goodreads | Kelley Armstrong's Website

Waiting on Wednesday (20): Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!
 
This Week's Pick: Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Release Date: November 6th, 2012

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was declared a "must read" by Entertainment Weekly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, and The New York Times called it "a breath-catching romantic fantasy."

*Stares lovingly at the cover* Oh...oh, right. I'm supposed to talk about why I want to read this book. Well, have you seen the cover? I'm totally judging this book by the beautiful work of art that is the cover of Days of Blood and Starlight. And the title. This is going to be good.

Since I reviewed Daughter of Smoke and Bone earlier this week, I felt it only appropriate to have Days of Blood and Starlight as my Waiting on Wednesday pick. After the cliffhanger of an ending in the first book, I'm desperate to find out what happens next. I think that, now all the information and back-stories have come to light, this sequel will be much easier to understand. And it'll be a thrill ride like the last one.

With a cover like that, a plot so unique and spellbinding, and characters that dazzle, Days of Blood and Starlight will be a fantastic novel and the perfect sequel. I can't wait to see.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight 

Stacking the Shelves (10) + Birthday Post

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which bloggers share the books they stacked their shelves with during the week! 

I have the best friends in the world. I think I should start off by saying that. Last Sunday, August 12th, happened to be my nineteenth birthday. I really hate birthdays. I've had a string of bad, disappointing ones which has led me to have serious anxiety and apprehension whenever August rolls around. This year I knew would be different. I've had a huge upheaval in my life, and my friend group has drastically changed in recent months. My new friends were dead set on making this year my best birthday to date, and they succeeded.

Me heading to my surprise party!

Friday night saw two of my best friends arrive (one of them unexpectedly!) both of whom spent hours getting here just for my birthday. We had a great time that night, and the next day was even better. They threw an awesome surprise party for me, and I got to see lots of friends I hadn't seen in awhile. There were lots of crazy adventures that were had, and I had "Happy Birthday" sung to me loudly in the middle of the street at midnight. In Ontario, where I live, 19 is the legal drinking age so I had to go get my first legal drink, but had to wait until just past midnight to get it! Sunday, my actual birthday, my besties made me pancakes, I opened gifts, and we got a delicious cupcake from my favorite cupcake place! There was a surprise visit from a couple high school friends, then cake and a barbeque with the best friend. Basically, it was an absolutely amazing weekend, and I am so so grateful that I have these wonderful people in my life. Thanks, guys!

Yummy cupcakes (mine was Oreo)

Now, to the books part. Birthdays usually bring with it some awesome books, giftcards, and presents and this year was no exception! So, here's my birthday haul!

Birthday Books:

- Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
- The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (For the Smart Chicks signing in September!)
- Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3) by Jennifer Estep

Bought (Gift cards):

- Storm (Elementals #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
- Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
- Wintergirls by Laurie Hale Anderson (on bargain for only $4.99!)

Presents!

- Gift cards
- Clothing and jewellery (including Mayday Parade shirt from Warped Tour!)
- Candy (so much yum. Note: Kinder Surprise was already eaten by the time this picture was taken)
- (Not pictured): I also got some Euros for my upcoming Ireland trip, a pair of shoes, and some knickknacks. Overall, an epic haul.

What did you stack your shelves with this week?

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Women of the Otherworld Challenge: Mini-Challenge #5

Hey guys!

I'll admit, I have not been doing what I committed to. I really wanted to keep up to date with the Women of the Otherworld Reading Challenge but I've sadly fallen way behind. I have a plan though, one that will hopefully get me all caught up while still cutting down my TBR pile. My plan: read one hundred pages each day of whatever WOTOW book I'm currently reading. That way, I have time to read other books while still completing the challenge. Let's just hope I'm successful!

I have decided to participate in a mini-challenge though, and the rules are as followed (taken directly from Moonlight Gleam's website):

Go to the last page you've read and create phrases with the last word of each line. You can use punctuations that follow the words you use. YOU MUST USE ALL THE WORDS AND THEY MUST BE IN ORDER. Don't worry if the phrases make no sense at all, I just thought it would be fun to see what we come up with!
Don't forget to include the page number, as well as the book cover and synopsis!

Even though she's the world's only female werewolf, Elena Michaels is just a regular girl at heart -- with larger than normal appetites. She sticks to three feasts a day, loves long runs in the moonlight, and has a lover who is unbelievable frustrating yet all the more sexy for his dark side. Like every regular girl, she certainly doesn't believe in witches. Then again, when two small, ridiculously feminine women manage to hurl her against a wall, and then save her from the hunters on her tail, Elena realizes that maybe there are more things in heaven and earth than she's dreamt of.

Vampires, demons, shamans, witches -- in Stolen they all exist, and they're all under attack. An obsessed tycoon with a sick curiosity is well on his way to amassing a private collection of supernaturals, and plans to harness their powers for himself -- even if it means killing them. For Elena, kidnapped and imprisoned deep underground, separated from her Pack, unable to tell her friends from her enemies, choosing the right allies is a matter of life and death. (Summary from Goodreads)

Chapter "Tea", Page 23: Nine-one-one little in of thought, into thirties about of contained and bedroom. Side front no Winterbournes expected behind werewolf you. The could another large survival: the fire our in down.

Well, that makes little-to-no sense but it is pretty amusing! Especially the whole "No Winterbournes excepted behind werewolf you". That cracked me up! 

What did you guys come up with? And if you're not taking part, why not send me the last words of the last page you just read in whatever book you're currently reading! Let's see what everyone comes up with!

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Publisher: Little, Brown

Release Date: September 27th, 2011

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4.5/5 

She had been innocent once, a little girl playing with feathers on the floor of a devil's lair. She wasn't innocent now...
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her skecthbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she speaks many languages - not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
From master storyteller and National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor comes a sweeping and gorgeously written modern fantasy about a forbidden love, an ancient and epic battle, and hope for a world remade. (Summary from dust jacket)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was one of the most buzzed about books late last year. And I completely understand why. This book is like nothing I've ever read before. Seriously. I've said that a few times in reviews, but this book is so unique it negates me ever using that phrase. I really wasn't sure that to expect when I picked the novel up, and even if I had a guess, it never would have been able to describe Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

This book was filled with the fantastical, and I was completely fascinated by it. All the different creatures, each with their own motive and plotline, kept the story flowing and kept my eyes darting across the page. I was desperate to find out the mystery surrounding Karou, and what Brimstone did with all those teeth. I wanted to find out as much as I could about Elsewhere, and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I loved the characters in this book. Karou, Brimstone, and Akiva particularly found a special place in my heart with their courage and strength. All the characters were very layered and unusual (many of them being mythical monsters) but they all still maintained an essential human element. For some it was pain, others it was revenge, and for a select few it was hope. And that little pocket of hope was one of the brightest, and most inspiring things in this novel. Hope made this dark, wicked tale glow.

The one real issue I had with the book was how dense it was. There was a TON of information thrown at you in this first installment, which is understandable. The world Karou lives in is a mix of Elsewhere and reality, and there's lots of complexities to it. I found that the information went on overload during the middle, and had me blinking in bewilderment. I also was not a fan of the shift in the last half of the story. I understood the need for a developed back-story, but I felt that it was much too long and unnecessarily detailed. It really cut the flow of the story for me, and although I enjoyed having many questions answered, it felt choppy and left me unsatisfied.

Now, that's not to say I didn't like the story. I loved it actually. Such a new, fresh, creative idea that swelled with enchantment and wonder. Laini Taylor is a brilliant novelist, and her world created in Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a testament to her skill. I want to be wrapped back in that world as soon as possible (hopefully without the confusion this time). Overall, this is a strong book that wobbled slightly near the end, but packed a powerful punch of creativity and passion. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, and to dive back into a world of faery tales, monsters, and that persistant little thing called hope.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight 

Find This Book: Amazon | Goodreads | Laini Taylor's Website

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King (Iron Fey #1)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: February 1st, 2010

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 3.5/5
 

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. (Summary from Goodreads)

I had a few qualms about this novel, and I'm really sad to say that. I wanted to love this book. I had heard nothing but good things about it, and was really looking forward to reading it. The first time I tried, I stopped about sixty pages in losing some interest and having to return it to the library anyways. The second time, reading my pretty purchased copy, I ended up doing the exact same thing. I was super interested at the beginning, but about sixty-seventy pages in, I just couldn't care less. With some encouragement, and determination to actually finish this book, I continued and ended up enjoying it by the end. But, I can't say I loved it, which is kind of disappointing.

I wasn't a huge fan of Meg. I found her to be a bit whiny, slightly self-centered (or centered on her own wants), and a little damsel-in-distress. I kept wanting her to stand up and DO something, as opposed to getting everyone to do the dirty work for her. By the end, I had to give her a nod for pushing herself, and actually growing stronger. I always appreciate character development, and was glad to see it shown through Meg. To contrast my mixed feelings towards Meg, I have to say I loved Grimalkin and Puck. Seriously, those two made the book for me. I loved their banter, loved their voices, and just loved their characters in general. I'm really excited to see more from them. Ash, I also liked, particularly for his bravery and honesty. Those are two qualities I value in a character, and truly in people in general.

The story, well, I do enjoy faerie novels. I like to read the different takes on the classic structure, and adored the A Midsummer's Night Dream elements in the story (love me some Shakespeare). I loved the idea that the fey were created from the dreams of humans, and that the iron fey from technological advances. I thought that was a really good premise, and one I had yet to read about. Meg's search for her brother, although valiant, had me frustrated at times. But, I loved Ethan to bits. What a cutie pie! I like the potential this series has, and from what I've heard it really lives up to it.

Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of The Iron King but it won't stop me from continuing the series. It had its moments of delight, frustration, and laughter, and although it dragged for me it kept me intrigued. I know it can only get better from here. And I'm excited to see how the story develops, the characters change, and how the world evolves in the next few novels.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight 

Find This Book: Amazon | Goodreads | Julie Kagawa's Website

Waiting On Wednesday (19): The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This Week's Pick: The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: October 23rd, 2012

The truth about Mara Dyer's dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer." One week after Mara walked into a police station in Miami at the close of "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer," she has been committed to psychiatric treatment for what her parents believe was a mental breakdown. But what seems like a hallucination to everyone else is a chilling reality for Mara. Someone from her past has discovered her strange, deeply disturbing secret and that someone wants her to pay. But when no one believes the truth, Mara is totally helpless. The only person on her side is Noah Shaw, as sexy and handsome as he is loyal and cunning. Noah is the only person who can help Mara--as long as he doesn't get himself killed in the process.

Look at that exquisite piece of art called The Evolution of Mara Dyer cover. It's gorgeous. I love the color, love the scene, and love that it matches perfectly with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. They are going to look beautiful on a shelf together.

As I mentioned in my review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer I love dark heroines. Ones that fascinate readers by their twisted logic and tragic flaws. Mara Dyer happens to be one of them, and I can't get enough of her. She's messed up in the best way. And her boy, Noah Shaw, is one swoon-worthy fellow.

Although The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer scared the sauce out of me, I loved it. I couldn't look in the mirror for days, and jumped at every sound; it messed with my head that much. I can't wait to dive back into the story, especially after the final events of the last novel! Disturbed heroines, hot boys, and one terrifying plot line? Sign me up.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Stacking the Shelves (9)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which bloggers share the books they stacked their shelves with during the week!

So, I haven't posted a Stacking the Shelves in a few weeks because I surprisingly stuck to my book ban! Not a single book was bought, and I didn't even get a library book (cue the fist pump). This week was a bit different though. Last Sunday, I met up with the Ottawa Blogger gals for lunch and book talk. It was tons of fun, as it always is with them, and we had a big, very polite (we can never just say "I want this book!"), book exchange. I got some books I've been desperate for, and a couple I'm really interested in reading. I also got some epic Team Kilt swag this week so without further ado:

Bought:

- Thirteen (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong (this cover is like tissue paper. Gorgeous, but so thin! I'm afraid it will rip!)

Borrowed/Received (Blogger Meet-Up):

- (ARC) Possession (Possession #1) by Elana Johnson
- (ARC) Surrender (Possession #2) by Elana Johnson
- (ARC) Eve (Eve #1) by Anna Carey
- (ARC) The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (I am so BEYOND excited for this one!)
- (ARC) Winter Town by Stephen Emond
- (ARC) Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel
- Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa
- Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth (I actually own this novel already but due to some friends of mine, my copy is pretty messed up. And since fellow blogger Kathy had an extra copy she graciously offered me it! Thanks!)

Swag:

- Team Kilt membership swag from the awesome Jeri Smith-Ready! I love it! Thanks so much, Jeri!

That's it for this week! Probably won't have another Stacking the Shelves for a couple weeks but it might be a big one since it's my birthday on the 12th! What did you stack your shelves with this week?

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Source: Borrowed ARC from friend

My Rating: 4/5

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her. (Summary from Goodreads)

Gothic horror is not a genre I usually dabble in. There isn't too much out there, that I know of at least, and the horror genre in general makes me wary. When I first heard about Masque of the Red Death I was intrigued. It had a very interesting concept, some Gothic elements thrown in, and a stunningly gorgeous cover. I knew I had to read it. And I'm very glad I did. 

To start off, I love broken characters. I might even love them more than kick-ass heroines. Broken characters are utterly complex and interesting. They have things to overcome, which makes their (hopefully) eventual triumph that much sweeter. And broken characters are so real. They have heart, they have weakness, but they also manage to find hope in the darkest places. So, I loved Araby from the start. A guilt-stricken girl seeking oblivion through drugs and dress-up, Araby grabbed me from her first words. My heart broke for her and I wanted desperately for her to simply forgive. But she wasn't the only distraught character. It seemed that every person in this novel had a secret or two, many of which defined their whole lives. This wasn't a very happy novel, but desperate and dreary, each character barely clinging to life and knowing that every moment could mean their death. A horrific situation that made one heck of a plot. And some very interesting relationships.

Normally, when love triangles are involved, I can choose a guy. Very easily no less. And, although I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, this one kept me intrigued for the simple fact that I couldn't choose. At first, the tattooed and surprisingly sweet Will was a clear favorite. He was the kind of character I just instantly fall for. But then Elliot came along and surprised me. At first, I was not a huge fan. He was arrogant and forceful, which I absolutely can't stand. But soon, he started growing on me. The arrogance turned to pain and the forceful attitude turned loving. And by the end, choosing between them was impossible. They were both great characters, and swoon-worthy crushes.

The story was really bleak. But also so interesting. The setting was kind of a mix of all different places and periods, and the steampunk element was so well done. I totally wish I got to walk around in a crazy ripped corset dress all day. Although, if I had to wear a mask and deal with an awful plague, I would pass. Because wow, what a terrible and disturbing disease these characters had to face. I was sickened and disturbed about how terrible the world, and the people, had become in Masque of Red Death. The Weeping Illness, and the Red Death, killing so many, the terrible dictatorship the city was under, and the hope that everyone had lost in living. But not all hope was gone, and that's something I loved. The novel could pull you down, but there was always just that little niggling of hope. The fight that still hadn't gone out of some characters, despite the situation they faced. Up-lifting, and something I couldn't help but cheer for.

The author seemed to use a minimalist style when it came to the writing. Which isn't an negative, since I've often found myself loving those kinds of books. The problem I had was the minimalist writing led to some disjointed scenes. I found myself confused about how one scene bleed into the other, and how characters came to certain choices and conclusions. Araby was well developed because of the internal monologue in the novel, and the boys Elliot and Will as well because of their interactions with her. But I found other side characters, especially April, to be confusing. I liked her, but I couldn't put my finger down on what time of personality she really was. I have a feeling though that the kinks I wasn't such a fan of will all be cleared up in the second book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Masque of the Red Death, and I cannot wait for the sequel. I also absolutely adore the cover. I mean, talk about gorgeous! If you're looking for some Gothic horror, complex characters, and lots of steampunk, look towards Masque of the Red Death.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Amazon | Goodreads | Bethany Griffin's Website

Waiting on Wednesday (18): Defiance by C. J. Redwine

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This week's pick: Defiance (Defiance #1) by C. J. Redwine

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. (Summary from Goodreads) 

Uh, yeah. This sounds like awesome sauce in book form.

This books has been getting a lot of positive buzz around the book community, and I've been looking forward to it ever since I heard the description. It sounds like a very unique and intriguing story and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy! A strong heroine, a dark love interesting and tons of action and suspense, I mean, I can't ask for much more!

What books are you waiting on this week?

- Ciara who is lost at midnight