Saturday, January 31, 2015

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Extremely small Weekly Obsessions post this week.

BOOKS

My Favourite Manson Girl by Alison Umminger (Goodreads)

I stumbled across this thanks to Kelly from Kellyvision. This sounds like it has the potential to be amazing.
Tells the present-day story of 15-year-old Anna, who escapes to Los Angeles for the summer and finds herself immersed in the story of the Manson Girls and begins to see disturbing parallels around her. 
I am very intrigued and look forward to hearing more about it as we get close to it's 2016 publication date.

MOVIE/TV

Disney's Beauty and the Beast live action adaptation

It was recently announced that Disney will be doing a live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. It will closely follow the cartoon and even have many of the beloved songs from the classic tale. Emma Watson has signed on to be Belle (obviously amazing!). Everything about this has made me very excited. I am eager for casting news for the Beast and Gaston to be announced!

Game of Thrones

I am officially caught up on Game of Thrones. I will be watching the next season in weekly doses like everyone else. I had my heart crushed at the Red Wedding (*sniff*), have cheered for Arya, and have learned to like some of the characters I hated. I cannot wait to see what is next for all of them.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, January 30, 2015

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross



Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Egmont
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

An edgy fairy tale retelling of "Snow White" set in the world of Kill Me Softly for fans of Once Upon a Time and Grimm.

Faced with a possible loophole to her "Snow White" curse, Viv goes underground, literally, to find the prince who's fated to rescue her. But is life safe in the Underworld worth the price of sacrificing the love that might kill her?
The world of Beau Rivage is like a dream. In some cases those dreams happen to be nightmares. Sarah Cross' books are as chilling as they are magical. Her fairytales tend to skew towards the darkness rather than the light and her take on Snow White is even more unnerving than expected.

Viv has always known a huntsmen would come to kill her one day. She's expected it forever, along the with the prince that is supposed to rescue her. The fact that her huntsmen also happens to be the person she is in love with only complicates the situation further. Viv and Henley's push/pull romance added an edge of danger and suspense to the story. It's a darker romance that created some real tension. This novel is a fairytale, but it also happens to be a well written suspense novel. I was breathlessly on edge waiting to see what Henley would decide, what Regina would do, and how Viv might find a loop hole to her curse. The thriller aspect of the novel is pulse pounding and just as strong (if not stronger) than the fairytale elements. The fate of everyone involved feels uncertain and that allows for real stakes.

This novel blends together the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale with the Snow White fairytale. There is even an dash of Rumpelstiltskin added into the mix. This novels blend them together effortlessly so that they compliment each other and weave together seamlessly.

These fairytales are almost twisted beyond belief and turned into something much more sinister than the tales of your childhood. In Beau Rivage Snow White's prince may prefer his princess more comatose and therefore drug her. A single spoken word could mean death for one girl's brothers. Murder is overlooked if done in the name of a curse. These curses are normally looked at as a blessing but Sarah Cross adeptly shows that they tend to cause more pain and offer little to any benefit. The happily ever after destined to be is not always what is promised. The notion of making your own fate, even if it is not a blissfully happy one, being worth the freedom is shown and present a more modern, realistic take on fairytales.

The characters are flawed and imperfect. This includes Viv. She and Henley have a tumultuous relationship where neither of them treat each other very well. Viv is always pushing the boundaries and testing the limits when it comes to Henley's heart.  Both of them try to make the other jealous. However, it's clear that they love each other and that it was built on a solid friendship that the curse is destroying. Regina is more than a caricature villainess. She has layers to her that were unexpected. The novel shows that everyone involved is a victim of the curse, and bittersweetly shows you how different things could have been without it.

Sarah's version of a fairytale ending is not the sweetness and light one might expect from a fairytale. Her inspiration tends to be the more sinister versions of the fairytales, and at most the endings are bittersweet. This ending is laced with a sadness that prevents it from being the typical happily ever after.

A darkly seductive, twisted fairytale that blends together multiple inspirations flawlessly. Sarah Cross has truly created a spellbinding, magical take on the Snow White tale that inspires and entrances even as it leaves you feeling unsettled.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Tear You Apart Blog Tour *Exclusive Short Story*



Today I am part of the amazing blog tour for Sarah Cross' novel Tear You Apart. If you saw my review for the companion novel Kill Me Softly, you'll know I love this series.

I get to share a part of a short story set in Beau Rivage. This is part five of six so be sure to check out the previous tour stops for the beginning of the story.

You can find the other parts to the story by visiting...

Title: TEAR YOU APART

Author: Sarah Cross

Pub. Date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Pages: 384

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads

An edgy fairy tale retelling of "Snow White" set in the world of Kill Me Softly for fans of Once Upon a Time and Grimm.

Faced with a possible loophole to her "Snow White" curse, Viv goes underground, literally, to find the prince who's fated to rescue her. But is life safe in the Underworld worth the price of sacrficing the love that might kill her?

POP CULTURE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF TWISTING FAIRY TALES: ABC's Once Upon a Time and NBC's Grimm continue to pull in high ratings. And with the anticipated Angelina Jolie Maleficent (2014), the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods (2014), and Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella (2015), Hollywood is infected with fairy tale fever.

CAMEOS FROM FAVORITE CHARACTERS: Viv, who first appeared in Kill Me Softly trailed by her brooding boy-toy Henley, takes center stage in this new Beau Rivage tale. Other familiar characters including Blue and Jewel are back to help her defy her destiny.

TEENS LOVE THIS FAIRY TALE WORLD: Kill Me Soflty was a 2013 YALSA Teens' Top 10. Readers have been clamoring for a sequel.

A FRESH TAKE ON THE FAMILIAR: Drawing on "Snow White," "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," and "Rumpelstiltskin," Tear You Apart is very conscious of the way these stories have pervaded pop culture, twisting known tropes into an exciting new story that can stand on its own.
Here is the 5th installment of Sarah's short story, Three Nights, Twelve Princesses, One Curse.



Amazing, right? I cannot wait to see what happens next in the final installment of this story! Be sure to follow the rest of the tour to catch the last part!



Sarah Cross is the author of the fairy tale novels Kill Me Softly and Tear You Apart (coming January 2015), the superhero novel Dull Boy, and the Wolverine comic "The Adamantium Diaries." She loves fairy tales, lowbrow art, secret identities and silence.

Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads |Pinterest | Tumblr


There is also a giveaway that you can enter as part of the blog tour. 10 lucky winners will recieve signed copies of Tear You Apart. To enter just follow the Rafflecopter directions and the contest is open to USA/Canada residents only. 

Here is the full tour schedule so that you can check out all the tour stops in this amazing tour.

1/19/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Story Post
1/20/2015- Crossroad Reviews- Spotlight Post
1/21/2015- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Story Post
1/22/2015- Bumbles and Fairy-Tales- Review
1/23/2015- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Story Post                                                                  
1/26/2015- Jump Into Books- Review
1/27/2015- Du Livre- Story Post
1/28/2015- Head Stuck In A Book- Review
1/29/2015- A Glass of Wine- Story Post
1/30/2015- A Backwards Story- Story Post and Review of the novella TWIN ROSES

Be sure to stop by tomorrow when I'll share my review Tear You Apart!

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday ...... The Invasion Of The Tearling


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


My pick this week is The Invasion Of The Tearling by Erika Johansen

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighboring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion.

But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling —and that of Kelsea’s own soul—may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out. 
I loved the first book in this series. It deserved the hype that was surrounding it. I am eager to get my hands on the next installment of Kelsea's story and see what surprises Erika Johansen has in store for us.

Expected release date - June 9, 2015

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Playlist For The Dead by Michelle Falkoff



Playlist For The Dead by Michelle Falkoff
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 288 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.

Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.
Playlist For The Dead is a novel that had a lot of potential. A novel that seemed like it should shatter your heart into a million pieces. However, it's one that never quite reaches that potential. A novel that tries to be everything at once. It's a mystery, an 'issues' book, and even adds in a little magical realism into the plot. However, I felt it stretched itself thin and the end result was being not quite successful at any of these aspects.

The music, and playlist from the title, ends up being a rather quiet footnote to the story. Sam listens to it, and some of the songs are discussed but otherwise it ends up being unimportant to the overall plot. It is an element that could have been removed from the story and it would have resulted in the exact same story being told. It would have retained what it was attempting to say and left me with the same feeling. No insight is gleamed from it, at least for me, and it doesn't open a window into Sam's mindset. Perhaps that is the point - you can never know what someone is truly thinking and therefore the playlist remains a mystery. If that is the case, I didn't feel that was properly developed or showcased.

Sam's voice was the most resonate thing in the story. It felt authentic and like the author knew that character and what he should be. The secondary characters, however, felt under developed. Astrid, in particular, felt like little more than a manic pixie dream girl who was there only to further Sam's story. Her, and Eric had flickers of characterization that could have made them fascinating. Hayden comes to life through Sam and he was the closest thing to a secondary character that I felt was elevated in some manner.

The idea that people are not just one thing is threaded throughout the novel. People can always surprise you and have hidden parts to them. They can transform into someone you barely know, even if you think you have them figured out. It's a important message, especially for the target age group. Even the side story lines tie into the overall message in the end. Sam seeking help from a guidance counselor to navigate his anger and grief was another plot point that resonated and was entirely welcome.

The novel begins to say something about violence but never really goes anywhere with it. Sam's comment that his video game is a thinly veiled excuse to be violent and we see violence as part of the story itself. That plot point isn't really expanded upon other than some thin commentary. The magical realism plot also unfinished and wrapped rather quickly in the end. All the plot points never really come together as one cohesive story, or get a satisfying ending. I don't even mean a happy ending, just a ending to brings everything together.

A novel that, sadly, didn't come together the way I hoped it would. There is plenty of potential here, but the threads never came together in the end. A few plot points left hanging and some important elements that were not examined to their fullest made me feel disconnected from the novel and it's characters.

Monday, January 26, 2015

A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd



A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.

Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.

With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity.
Megan Shepherd offers up a spine-tingling, and chilling close to her Madman's Daughter trilogy. A novel that asks how much fate dictates our choices and plays with the haunting notion that just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.

The classic tale of Frankenstein is woven into Megan Shepherd's plot seamlessly. Her characters blend into the iconic roles perfectly without being out of character for what Megan has created. Megan's talent as a writer is her ability to create mood and atmosphere. Frankenstein naturally lends itself to this style of writing. The foggy moors, the creaks and bumps in the night, the apprehension and tension that builds are all captured within the pages of this story.

The nature vs nurture aspect of Frankenstein's story was already a huge theme in this trilogy and choosing to inspire the last novel off of Frankenstein was brilliant decision. Juliet has struggled from the beginning with becoming her father. She is convinced that her DNA makes it inevitable. She believes her 'creation' leaves her no choice but to follow in his footsteps. Ultimately her fate is revealed and offers up plenty of twists and surprises along the way. There is one particular reveal that I am unsure how I feel about. It feels like an easy way out based on the character, and story. I predict strong reactions to this reveal either way.

The idea that having the power to do something and the morality of doing it has also been a theme woven into all three novels. Doctor Moreau could create those creatures. Juliet could give into her darker impulses. In Frankenstein we know that Victor has power over life and death. A Cold Legacy examines the fallout of that ability, and the morality of doing it. It all comes back to choices. We all have choices, and what plagues every step of Juliet's journey is choices and which one she should make. It asks the reader to examine their own choices, at the same time asking how much outside forces factor into making those choices.

Juliet is a polarizing character for a lot of people. For me, every action, reaction, decision that she has or makes feels authentic to her character. Her actions and choices are not always what I would choose for myself. She is not perfect. She's haunted, and flawed. She slips and makes mistakes. The important thing is that she never acts out of character. She remains Juliet always, and that is the mark of an author who knows her characters.

The secondary characters, for me, were the heart of the story. Kind, gentle Balthazar who is the most humane out of everyone despite his monstrous beginnings. The compelling, dangerous, and fascinating Edward whose demons haunt him still. Lucy who is caring, and exudes an inner strength. Montgomery who is steadfast in his love for Juliet, but keeping secrets of his own. They all are engaging, and bring an extra element to the story. They allow you to form attachments as the main character is someone so polarizing. Balthazar, in particular, will win your heart by the end of this series (if he hasn't already).

A bittersweet, if fitting, ending to Juliet's journey allowed for closure that will satisfy fans of this trilogy. Megan Shepherd as adeptly paid homage to three different classic literary tales, while weaving in something entirely her own. 

Sunday, January 25, 2015

New To My Book Closet


It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week brought a few goodies into my mailbox! Very excited to read/watch them!


Fairest by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Gone Girl movie with Amazing Amy book (goodreads)

Fairest happened to be out in my bookstore early so I snagged a copy. Won't be reading it quite yet, but VERY soon.

I also picked up a copy of Gone Girl on DVD and it included a fun extra - an Amazing Amy novel. Those who have read the book/seen the movie will know why this is a big deal.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Extremely small Weekly Obsessions post this week.

BOOKS

Cover of Brianna Shrum's Never, Never (Goodreads)



This.Is.Perfect. PERFECT. If you are a Peter Pan fangirl, this is going to make you want to immediately pick up this book. The skull and crossbones, the bloody feather, and the iconic ship all come together to create a nod to the class tale while reminding you this is not your usual Peter Pan.

I Was Here by Gayle Forman (Goodreads)

This book was EVERYTHING I hope it would be. It was filled with emotion, romance and that characterization that Gayle Forman does so well. Be sure to check out my review if you missed it and pick up a copy on Tuesday when it's released.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, January 23, 2015

I'll Meet You There Pre-Order Campaign



Pre-order exclusive are always fun. It makes you feel like an insider when you receive your exclusive pre-order perk.

Heather Demetrois, being the romantic that she is, has come up with an AMAZING pre-order campaign for her new buzzy novel, I'll Meet You There. You may have already heard bloggers gushing over how wonderful this title is on Twitter. It already has a TON of fans and as the release date draws closer the buzz is only increasing.

I hear there is a pretty swoon worthy Marine in this novel. He's the type of character that is destined to become a favourite book boyfriend and appear on a ton of end of the year lists. Putting this together with her romantic side, Heather is offering up a special letter from Josh for Valentine's Day. Her novel is released just before Valentine's Day and this pre-order campaign ties in to the romance of the novel.

You can read more about the pre-order and why Heather is offering it up on her website.

Now you might be curious how you secure this awesome letter. It's super simple. You pre-order the novel, and email Heather at heatherdemetrios@gmail.com. All you need to provide is a copy of the pre-order receipt and a USA address to have the letter shipped to (international pre-orders can have the letter EMAILED to them if you wish to take part).

You can pre-order from the following links....


I cannot think of a better way for a YA book lover to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a letter from a swoon worthy book boyfriend! You can find out more about I'll Meet You There by checking out Goodreads.

What guy from a book (YA or otherwise) do you wish you could get a love letter from for Valentine's Day? Let me know in the comments! 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon


I am honoured to be taking part in the official blog tour for Samantha Shannon's THE MIME ORDER. As part of the tour, I am going to be reviewing the sequel to the best-selling first novel, THE BONE SEASON.

First, Bloomsbury decided to do something incredibly  fun for this tour. This novel features clairvoyants and auras. Each of the auras mean something different and it represents the type of clairvoyant. We got photos of ourselves modified to reflect our auras.


As you can see, I chose blue for my aura. A blue aura represents Augurs. They use organic matter, or elements, to connect with the æther. 

Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for other reviews and content.



Don't miss the giveaway that is after the review as well! *US ONLY*


The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Bloomsbury
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  528 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal prison camp of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun: many of the survivors are missing and she is the most wanted person in London...

As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on the dreamwalker, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city's gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take centre stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner. Then the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided.
The Mime Order is a sequel that does exactly what it should - it improves on the first novel. This installment takes the story in unexpected directions, changes what you thought about it's world and characters after the first novel, and proves that there are still plenty of surprises left in Paige's story.

After the fully satisfying ending that The Bone Season offered, I was most curious as to where the story would go next. This installment offers a wider look at the world Samantha has created. A deeper, more complex look at the politics at play, and shows new sides to the characters we're beginning to care about. This expansion illuminates exactly why this is a multiple book series. It's richer, and more layered than it first appears. It creates many directions that the story could take, and the one it takes is rather surprising.

Betrayal, double crossing, secrets and lies are the currency of this novel. Everyone has an agenda and nobody plays fair. This allowed for some twists and turns during the novel. This can turn in an instant and loyalty is never guaranteed. The world of the syndicate creates a dangerous atmosphere and this novel highlights the severe consequences decisions can have.

The pacing of the story is pitch perfect. It's rapid speed will leave you mesmerized and  in awe. Things that I did not expect to happen until much later in the series come to fruition sooner than expected. It leave you with a sense of both apprehension and elation because of the unpredictability this offers. Novels that can surprise me leave a lasting impression and this one did just that.

Without giving anything away, the Rephaim are back. Getting to learn more about them, and what their agenda is was one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. This group has politics that rival those in the syndicate and how it all meshes together is rather complex. The set up is like a house of cards with each move impacting the whole. It creates a fragile balance that is easily tipped. This novel is that balance breaking and it's aftermath.

The slow burn of the romances in this book is exactly what this novel needs. It's background to it's actual plot. The romance is something that heightens the already existing drama and emotions. It is just another layer to the characters, and not who the characters are. It makes it feel realistic and allows you to be become invested in the outcome..

As fascinating as the setting is, it is the characters that truly shine. The human moments of grief, betrayal, self doubt, perseverance, and every other emotion in between are what leaves a last impression. My favourite moments were the ones seeped in character development. It's where Samantha truly shows her talent and growth. If the first book was laying the foundation of the world, this book lays the foundation for character development and shows what that means for the plot.

Samantha Shannon showcases that we are only beginning to see her talent as a writer, and storyteller. This sequel will surpass expectations, and leave you desperately counting down the days until the next installment of this smart, addictive, well plotted series is released.

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Cover Reveal ....................... Never, Never by Brianna Shrum


Today, I am thrilled to help reveal the cover for one of my most anticipated novels of 2015. Brianna Shrum's Never, Never sounds like a twisted take on the Peter Pan story!

Before I reveal the AMAZING cover, here is a little about the novel itself...
James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up.

When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. A world where children are to never grow up.

But grow up he does.

And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate.

This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan.

Except one.
Sounds a little dark, and amazing right? I am definitely intrigued that this Peter Pan sounds like he is going to be more than a little evil.

Now....feast your eyes on this STUNNING cover. 


Perfect right? This Peter Pan fangirl is more than happy to all the nods to the classic tale. The ominous skull and crossbones in the sky, the bloody feather, and the iconic pirate ship all have my flailing in fangirl joy.

Never, Never is released in September of 2015 (exact date to be determined) In the meantime you can add this book to your Goodreads.

Here is a little bit more about Brianna Shrum. Be sure to follow her on Twitter (she's lovely).

Be sure to check out my Q and A with Brianna if you want a little more inside scoop on this must read title.



Brianna Shrum lives in Colorado with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband, two boys, and two big, floppy hound dogs. She thinks chai tea is proof of magic in the world, and loves all things kissy, magical, and strange. She'd totally love to connect with you. You can find her saying ridiculous things on Twitter @briannashrum

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday ...... Finding Paris


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Finding Paris by Joy Preble


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
An evocative and compelling story of two sisters who would do anything for each other--perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Speak. Joy Preble's stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other's lives.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can't trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who's moved them all to Las Vegas. It's just the two of them: Paris, who's always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind--going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love. But Leo isn't going anywhere right now, except driving around Vegas all night with her sister.

Until Paris ditches Leo at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris--a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared? When Leo reluctantly accepts Max's offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold inside.
I love road trip books. LOVE THEM! This one sounds amazing. It sounds heartbreaking, and twisty and I love those kinds of books. This is also one of the exact road trips I would love to take (Las Vegas to Los Angles). so this one is HIGH on my list of MUST READS.

Expected release date - April 21, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

I Was Here by Gayle Forman



I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Cody and Meg were inseparable.
Two peas in a pod.
Until . . . they weren’t anymore.

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

I Was Here is Gayle Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.
There is a reason Gayle Forman makes use of the "All.The.Feels" tagline. Her books deliver just that. All of the feelings you can imagine, and often all of them are experienced all at once. I Was Here is no exception to this. It is a brilliant, important, satisfying read that left me emotionally drained, and surprisingly hopeful.

Gayle Forman makes writing appear effortless. Her words come together in such a cohesive, natural way. This talent, however, is the mark of a great writer, and hard work. She makes something so layered and nuanced look easy. She is able to create emotions, and atmosphere with a simple turn of phrase. It's not just enjoyable to read, but inspiring.

Anger and guilt are felt through every interaction, every scene, every sentence of this novel. There is so much anger and guilt for everyone involved. There is anger and guilt because of that anger. Gayle Forman captures what it could feel like to be a 'survivor of suicide'. By this, I am referring to those left behind. There is, often, a massive need for blame for those left behind. Gayle captures the feeling of being angry at the person who died, but feeling guilty that you are angry and so you want to take that anger and shove it onto someone else. You want to blame someone else. They perhaps feel like they should have known and are partially blaming themselves deep down. It creates this perfect storm of feelings. All of this swirls around inside these characters reeking havoc on their emotions and choices. The 'what ifs' plague every single person in Meg's life and it's heartbreaking to see them go through the steps needed to mourn and grieve.

Ben McAllister is a pretty eyed, guitar playing, sneering mess and you will absolutely love him. He is the stuff of book boyfriend dreams and is entirely swoon worthy. His connection to Meg allows for this bond to form with Cody that is entirely mesmerizing. He is wrestling with his own demons, and it makes the progression of the relationship with Cody all the more fulfilling. They understand each other, and offer something that the other needs. The romance aspect of the novel is classic Gayle Forman in all it's messy imperfect perfectness.

Meg comes to life through the other characters. She is told in memories and stories. She burns so vivid and bright during these moments that you truly get to know her. She feels like a vital part of the novel and not just created for plot advancement. She is a fully fledged character and her relationship with Cody is nuanced and rich. We see all the elements of their friendship, including the not so perfect parts. It's this type of characterization that Gayle Forman excels at and she does not disappoint here.

The mystery element of the computer file is just icing on an already delicious cake. It serves to showcase the true plot of the story which is not this mystery but the human emotions behind grief, forgiveness, and strength. She manages to eloquently weave together all of these aspects into an engrossing story.

You won't leave Meg and Cody's story untouched and they'll haunt you long after you've finished reading the final page. This is one I am having a hard time moving on from. I want to mourn a little longer, fall a little bit more in love, and stay with these wonderful characters. A beautiful, sad, hopeful, messy story of grief, death, and most importantly, life. This novel will break your heart, it just happens to also mend it along the way.

Monday, January 19, 2015

The Conspiracy Of Us by Maggie Hall



The Conspiracy Of Us by Maggie Hall
Release Date - January 13, 2015
Publisher Website - Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  336 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A fast-paced international escapade, laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance--perfect for fans of Ally Carter

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with..
Teased as the YA version of The Da Vinci Code, The Conspiracy of Us is a thriller set on an international scale. Maggie Hall weaves together addictive writing, a compelling mystery, sizzling romance, and amazing characters to create a devour-in-one-sitting read that left me dying for the sequel.

My favourite part of this novel, hands down, is Avery. She's the type of female character I enjoy. She's flawed, and isn't perfect. She may not be used to the situation she finds herself in, but she proves herself adaptable, and most of all, capable. She isn't given inexplicable abilities, nor is she suddenly capable of doing things she'd never attempted before. She survives by using quick thinking, some luck, and help from others. I also liked that she was not a damsel in distress. She didn't passively sit back and let others do everything for her. One scene in particular highlights this for me. She mentions that her and another character got away because they worked together. It took them as a team to accomplish it. This aspect of her character, considering she's thrust into these new dangers, rings true without feeling false or convenient. She plays to her strengths, and recognizes her weaknesses.

The romance, and possible love triangle, really work for this type of novel. We have two boys who are both, technically, forbidden. Each has secrets and is hiding something from Avery. Each causes Avery's pulse to quicken, for very different reasons. Neither boy has swayed me to their 'team' because both boys are written incredibly well. Each of them has endearing qualities, and neither has treated Avery harshly. My favourite triangles are where both guys are on even footing in the triangle, and this novel offers that in spades. I also enjoy it when the parties involved have a purpose outside the triangle, and a storyline with each other that has nothing to do with the romance. Maggie Hall hits all these notes and makes it impossible to choose as a result.We're also treated to one of the sexiest scenes that features almost no touching between the parties involved. It's seriously swoon inducing and will leave you, perhaps, a little breathless yourself.

The twists, turns, and reveals are paced perfectly. The story unravels at the perfect speed to ensure the reader is fully captivated. The last few chapters of the novel set up the sequel in such a way that it will be torture waiting to find out what happens next. This dangerous, yet exciting, puzzle is only just beginning and I cannot wait to see where Maggie Hall takes us next.

The delectable setting, quick pacing,sexy romance, and engrossing mystery all add up to a must read novel. This is a solid debut and a captivating start to a new series. Fans of novels with clues, puzzles, sexy guys, and globe trotting will not want to miss this unputdownable read.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

New To My Book Closet


It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week a whole bunch of books made their way into my book closet!

First up is a book that Kelly (from Kellyvision) has been raving about! I was very excited to win a copy through a contest on Twitter that was held.


A Game Of Love And Death by Martha Brockenbrough (Goodreads)

Next, I was THRILLED to come home to this amazing package from Harper Canada in my mailbox.


I pretty much want to read ALL of these, immediately. I've heard amazing things about Kissing In America and 99 Days so I am especially looking forward to those!

Finding Paris by Joy Preble (Goodreads)
The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer (Goodreads)
Kissing In America by Margo Robb (Goodreads)
City Love by Susane Colasanti (Goodreads)
99 Days by Katie Cotugno (Goodreads)

A huge thank you to Harper Canada and Martha Brockenbrough for these lovelies!

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Small Obsessions post this week! There are two books I am really interested in checking out though!

BOOKS

The Isle Of The Lost (Disney Decedents #1) by Melissa De La Cruz (Goodreads



Ever since they announced that there would be a movie for the Disney Network revolving around the children of famous Disney characters I have wanted it in book form! I am hoping this is every bit as amazing as I think it is going to be. I love the cover, and am hoping it is YA (I do however think it's middle grade).

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis (Goodreads)

Read this synopsis! Just read it and tell me you don't immediately want this book!
Grace Mae knows madness. She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.

When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.

In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us.
AMAZING, RIGHT? Luckily we don't have to wait long for this book! It comes out October 2015!

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, January 16, 2015

Twisted Fate by Norah Olson



Twisted Fate by Norah Olson
Release Date - January 20, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 272 pages
My Rating - 2/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
When Alyson meets Graham Copeland, the new boy next door, she instantly feels like he’s a kindred spirit—shy and awkward like her, someone who has trouble making friends. It’s impossible to resist having a crush on him.

As usual, her sister, Sydney, sees things differently. In Sydney's mind, Graham's odd personality and secretive past scream psychopath, not sweetheart. Her gut is telling her to stay away from him, and to protect a love-struck Alyson from her own naïveté. But despite her instincts, Sydney is surprised to realize that a part of her is drawn to Graham, too.

And the more Sydney gets to know him, the more she realizes just how right—and wrong—she is about everything.

Perfect for fans of Michelle Hodkin, and E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, Twisted Fate is an unputdownable novel, teeming with suspense.
Anyone reading the synopsis will immediately know why this one made it's way onto my must read list. As a fan of both Michelle Hodkin and E Lockhart, I was hoping for a suspenseful, gripping story. However, this novel ended up not being for me.

The characters didn't feel developed to me. I didn't feel like I got to know them or their motivations. This development was set aside in favour of creating a tense, creepy atmosphere and to allow for the twists and turns of the story. The atmosphere is one element that is crafted rather well. It's creepy, and you get a sense of what the story is almost immediately. For myself, these types of stories only work if I am invested in the characters. I need to care about the outcome of the story and what happens to them. This connection was missing and I didn't get immersed into the story as a result. I felt like I was purposely being kept at a distance the entire time I was reading.

The reveals, and what is actually happening is telegraphed early, and often, by the author. I was less than halfway through when I guessed the remainder of the story. This could have worked well if the reasoning behind what was happening had been explored. We never really dive into the whys of everything. A deeper exploration would have served the distant narration a little more efficiently as well. Normally guessing the mystery that early would not deter me, but the entire novel is based around this mystery. The characters were not what was drawing you in, it was supposed to be the mystery. I feel that once you've figured it out, there was little to pull you into the story because the other elements were not as captivating.

There are a few plot points that are teased, and left without the further expansion that I thought they deserved. Much is made of  mysterious Graham Copeland and something horrific from his past. When we finally find out what  happened it felt, at least for me, detached and distant. This should have packed a punch. However, it felt like we were finding out because the story said we would, rather than it having an actual impact on the characters or plot.

The characters, and what the author was trying to say, do fit this type of narration. The lack of connection does tie directly into the characters themselves, but for me, it come together the way I expect it was supposed to.

A novel that didn't quite mesh the way I hoped it would. I felt that what the novel set out to accomplish was not successfully captured. There were too many undeveloped plot points, and too many unexplored questions for it to be a satisfying reading experience for me.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins



The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
Release Date - January 6, 2015
Publisher Website - Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Three women, three men, connected through marriage or infidelity. Each is to blame for something. But only one is a killer in this nail-biting, stealthy psychological thriller about human frailty and obsession.
      Just what goes on in the houses you pass by every day?
     Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and evening, rattling over the same junctions, flashing past the same townhouses.The train stops at the same signal every day, and she sees the same couple, breakfasting on their roof terrace. Jason and Jess, as she calls them, seem so happy. Then one day Rachel sees someone new in their garden. Soon after, Rachel sees the woman she calls Jess on the news. Jess has disappeared.
     Through the ensuing police investigation, Rachel is drawn deeper into the lives of the couple she learns are really Megan and Scott Hipwell. As she befriends Scott, Rachel pieces together what really happened the day Megan disappeared. But when Megan's body is found, Rachel finds the chief suspect in the case. Plunged into a world of betrayals, secrets and deceptions, Rachel must confront the facts about her own past and her own failed marriage.
     A sinister and twisting story that will keep you guessing at every turn, The Girl on the Train is a high-speed chase for the truth.
Love. Lies. Betrayal. These words capture the heart of The Girl On The Train. Three women and three men all connected by these three words in some way or another. This novel plays with perception. It also examines how well you ever really know anyone. You may think you're getting a glimpse into their world, but the truth may end up being an unsettling reality.

Paula Hawkins shows herself to be an emerging talent in the mystery genre. Fraught with tension and a fevered pace, this novel captivates and ensnares you almost immediately. Her writing is sharp, crisp and she uses the unreliable narrator trope to great effect.

The question of how well we ever really know someone haunts the pages of this novel. The notion of getting to know someone through brief daily glimpses is played with. Rachel certainly thinks she 'knows' Megan and Scott. However, we quickly see that perhaps Rachel isn't even sure of how well she knows herself. The idea that someone we've become close to could hide who they truly are is terrifying, but scarier still is the possibility of what you might hide from yourself. I loved the way reality and perception twisted and warped as the novel unravels the truth of what Rachel saw and what really happened to Megan.

These characters are all flawed, desperate and imperfect. They make mistakes, and keep making them. They can be frustrating, particularly Rachel. She keeps making the same mistake over and over again. Some of these characters have chilling secrets. As a result, this novel is rather unsettling. It's dark tone chills you and remains long after the novel is finished. The morality in this novel is complex. Everything exists in the murky grey area where nobody is good nor evil. Everyone in this story is capable of kindness and harm in equal measure. This allows for plenty of suspicion as the truth behind what happened to Megan is revealed. Suspicion, and lack of trust for the characters, is something this novel does extremely well. The reader is left guessing and second guessing everything and everyone. It lets the mystery take hold, and become the thing that drives the story.

The end result may not surprise everyone. I myself figured it out before the ending, but there is more than enough within these pages to keep readers satisfied. The tying together of loose ends is done well, and it ensures an ending that is both satisfying to the story and fitting for the story told within the pages of this novel.

Fans of taunt, tension filled stories with plenty of red herrings, twists and surprises will stay up late to devour this delectable mystery. It'll keep you on the edge from page one, and doesn't let go until it's final reveal. It's a fun, obsessive read that will have you turning those pages faster than you might intend to.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Blog Tour - The Hound At The Gate by Darby Karchut


Today I have Darby Karchut stopping by with a guest post in honour of the release of the third book in her middle grade series.

She's shared details of her favourite scene in a really fun post, but first here is a little about the book.

"Autumn: the season of endings. And beginnings.

Especially for one young apprentice.

At the annual Festival of the Hunt, thirteen-year-old apprentice goblin hunter Finn MacCullen and his master, Gideon Lir, join other Tuatha De Danaan to honor their people’s heritage. But Finn soon realizes that there are some who denounce his right to attend due to his half-human bloodline.

While he struggles to keep his place by his master’s side, he finds himself embroiled in a decades-old grudge between Gideon and another Knight, bewildered (and beguiled) by a female apprentice with a temper as explosive as his own, and battling a pack of goblins determined to wipe out the entire camp in a surprise attack.

It’s going to take some fancy knife work, the help of a female Knight with a lethal bow, and one old pick up truck to defeat the goblins and prove to his people that his blood runs true-blue Tuatha De Danaan."
You can purchase this book at the following retailers (and the other two in the series as well!)


And here is Darby talking about, and sharing, her favourite passage from The Hound At The Gate

My favorite passage from THE HOUND AT THE GATE

by

Darby Karchut

Like many authors, I have parts of my books that deeply satisfy me, parts that I cringe over, and some parts that, frankly, I can’t even remember writing. But once in a while, I write a scene that is a pure note of Truth.

One such scene is from my latest book, The Hound at the Gate. This is a quiet scene, rather contemplative in nature, and with just one character (thirteen year old Finn MacCullen). It is not emotional or funny or exciting or climatic.

This scene is simply a love note to the wilderness of Colorado.

        Yawning, he looked around the tent in the predawn light. Lochlan’s bag, with Lochlan inside of it, formed a lumpy mound in the center of the other cot. Remembering his promise to the Knights, he crawled out, hissing softly between his teeth from the cold.
With his breath ghosting around him, he scrambled to dress, pulling on a thick, hand-
knitted sweater. He recalled Gideon handing it to him while they were packing. Although clean, its creamy color was dulled with age, the cuffs and neck frayed.
“Here,” his master had said, placing the folded garment on his bed while Finn was wadding up clothes and stuffing them in his duffle bag. “The weather is unpredictable in the mountains during autumn, so take this for extra warmth.”
Something in the way Gideon’s fingers had lingered on the garment made Finn bite back the joke about hand-me-down clothes. “Is it yours?” he asked instead, pretty sure he knew the answer.
“Kean’s. I do not know why I’ve kept it all these years.” He made a slight motion with his shoulder. “Although glad I am, now, that you can make use of it. ‘Tis worn, but still has plenty of service in it.”
Finn sniffed the arm. The faint scent of peat and wool and smoke and the sea filled his nostrils. A feeling of homesickness swept over him. But not for Gideon’s home. Another home. Another land.
How can I miss a place I’ve never been to?
Shaking his head clear, he shoved a knife into his belt sheath. After locating gloves and fleece cap, thankful his master had insisted he bring them, he slipped sideways through the canvas flap and pulled it tight together.
A thin layer of hoarfrost iced the campsite; the cold made his eyes water. Zipping his jacket to his chin, he tugged his cap lower and picked up the kettle where it squatted in the dead ashes of the camp fire. He peeked inside. Empty.
With a sigh, he glanced over at the Knights’ tent. A rumbling sound that was definitely Mac Roth snoring made Finn wince. Poor Gideon. Kettle in hand, he headed toward the center of the camp ground, trying to remember where the spigot, attached to a well dug deep into the underlying aquifer, was located.
As he walked, the frost crunched under his shoes. Most tents, scattered about to take advantage of the shelter of trees and boulders, were closed tightly against the chill. A few here and there glowed from within like giant moonstones as their occupants switched on lanterns or clicked on flashlights.
Singing softly to himself, he began swinging the kettle by its handle in rhythm with his stride. “‘A shield in battle and a string in the harp.’” The scent of wood smoke, quite possibly the best smell in the world on a raw, chilly morning, filled the air.
There was something about the forest and the dawn and the cold and the wood smoke that made his whole body almost vibrate with something. Like every sense was on high alert, so that he wouldn’t miss the tangy perfume of pine needles as he brushed past an evergreen. Or the scribble-scrabble of a squirrel hiding another acorn in a soon-to-be-forgotten pile of leaves. Or the sound of his own heartbeat, announcing to the world that Finnegan MacCullen was alive and eager for whatever adventures might come his way.

--- From pages 91-93, The Hound at the Gate

A huge thank you to Darby for taking the time to share this. You can find out more by follow Darby on Twitter, or visiting her official website. You can also find out more details about her books at the publisher website.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Mr Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham



Veronica Mars: Mr Kiss And Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Release Date - January 20, 2015
Publisher Website - Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
In the second book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series, Veronica Mars is back with a case that will expose the hidden workings of one of Neptune’s most murderous locations.

The Neptune Grand has always been the seaside town’s ritziest hotel, despite the shady dealings and high-profile scandals that seem to follow its elite guests. When a woman claims that she was brutally assaulted in one of its rooms and left for dead by a staff member, the owners know that they have a potential powder keg on their hands. They turn to Veronica to disprove—or prove—the woman's story.

The case is a complicated mix of hard facts, mysterious occurrences, and uncooperative witnesses. The hotel refuses to turn over its reservation list and the victim won’t divulge who she was meeting that night. Add in the facts that the attack happened months ago, the victim’s memory is fuzzy, and there are holes in the hotel’s surveillance system, and Veronica has a convoluted mess on her hands. As she works to fill in the missing pieces, it becomes clear that someone is lying—but who? And why?
Neptune's dark underside proves to be even creepier in this continuation of the Veronica Mars series. A novel that offers up clever ties to the TV series and movie, and a classic Veronica Mars mystery that brings it back to the basics.

This is a fast paced read. It's the type of read that would give you a sunburn at the beach. You'll be hooked into the story and the writing is so effortlessly readable that you'll fly through the pages. The writing, most importantly, fits the tone of the brand. It captures the same vibe as it's predecessors and that makes the transition from show to book smooth and streamlined. It really does feel like a continuation of the same series and not a revamping.

The main mystery, surprisingly, isn't the driving force of the novel. Veronica has plenty going on outside the case that is tantalizingly teased in the synopsis. The mystery does, however, serve as the perfect back drop for this chapter in Veronica's story. The formula that everyone loved from the TV show is there. The spark, and chemistry between the characters is there. The witty banter and trademark Veronica sass is there. That is the focus this time around. There are plenty of mystery novels out there, but it's these particular characters that keep us coming back and the authors realize that.

Our connection to this world is because we care about these characters. We're already invested. These novels have offered a sense of nostalgia in the same manner that the movie did. The entire thing is a love letter to the fans who have been there from the beginning. As a result, it is assumed you know these characters and their quirks. It is filled with inside jokes and references that only Marshmallows would get. This element, while amazing for fans, limits the potential for attracting new fans to the show and book series. The longevity of the series depends on that connection to the characters and this novel plays into that perfectly. There are plenty of cameos and some beloved characters make appearances. In fact, my favourite male character is in this plenty (and it's not Logan!). There are even some surprising connections revealed, and a nice nod to the past. It all just adds another layer to these characters we already love.

Anything else I say would be a spoiler, and unraveling the mystery is part of the fun of being in Veronica Mars' world. Enjoy the twists, and turns and let the characters charm you. It really does have everything you loved about the show and more.

Veronica Mars fans will once again dive in ravenously and be delightfully rewarded. There is plenty of LoVe goodness to satisfy the most die hard shippers (angst and all), and the mystery ties in perfectly with the seediness that is Neptune. Those not already well versed in the world of Veronica would certainly find themselves lost, but this is one for the fans anyways.

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