5 Great Covers

Over at Persnickety Snark, Adele has created the Pernsnickety Snark FIVE Challenge.  Today's topic is 5 Great Covers.  In no particular order the winners are:

 

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh - Love the romantic feel and how the writing frames the couple.  Just beautiful!

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Simple but at the same time grabs your attention.  Perfect cover for one of my all time favourite books.

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta - I love this black and white photograph.  Suits the storyline and is an actual photograph of a Australian singer from his CD cover shot.

Firelight by Sophie Jordan - This is one of the covers when you get in your hands is even more gorgeous.   I like the peak of dragon scales on the girl's face.

Hold Still by Nina Lacour (note paperback cover released in 2010) - I think this pretty cover sums up the cover's blurb perfectly.

What are some of your favourite covers of 2010?

Waiting on Wednesday #9

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

Shadowspell by Jenna Black
Release date: 4th January, 2011


On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Why? I loved the first book in the series Glimmerglass.  It had an interesting take on the fae, a fast paced plot, strong characters and fantastic writing.  I am hoping this book is even better.

What are you waiting on?

5 Great Debuts of 2010

Over at Persnickety Snark, Adele has created the Pernsnickety Snark FIVE Challenge.    Here is what Adele said about the challenge:

'From December 21st to 31st I posted daily on different elements of YA. I chose my top five titles/series/moments for each day. It was purely subjective / opinion based but I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts on YA for the year.  I am doing the same for 2010.  You can read last year's efforts here.

I have included the themes for each day below so should you choose to join me you can. It's a busy time of year so you might even pre-schedule posts or only chime in on the topics that interest you. I'll provide a Mr Linky so you can check out other blogger's thoughts for the year.'

I was already going to do a post on 2010 but when I saw this I thought it was the perfect way to sum up my thoughts on 2010.  Today's topic is Top 5 Great Debuts of 2010. ~drum roll~ The winners are:

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar -

This book will probably come up a lot on the Five Challenge.  It was a intense, honest and a beautiful read that I am constantly re-reading it.  Raw Blue is about moving on from the past in order to be happy but most of all it was a story about love. Falling in love, doing the things that you love and loving yourself.

(My review)

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer -

Nightshade was a gripping read with a new take on werewolves that pulls you into it unique and beautiful world full of passion, mystery and romance.  The plot was complex and well thought out.

(My review)

Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins -

Delicious romance, witty and funny dialogue, character that are well written and a swoon worthy crush,  it is impossible not to love this book.  To me this is a perfect love story and a book that is better than all the hype.

(My review)

Good Oil by Laura Buzo -

A honest and heartfelt coming of age story that reminded me of all the joy and pain of being 15.  Told from both characters POV's and is an effortless read that lingers. 

(My review)

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken -

A gorgeous story full of adventure, mystery, humour, magic and romance.  The writing was simple and engaging. It had a clever plot filled with lots of twists and turns. Just when you thought you knew what was happening Bracken would surprise you with something else.

(No Review)

This Is Shyness by Leanne Hall

Goodreads Description - A guy who howls. A girl on a mission to forget.

In the suburb of Shyness, where the sun doesn’t rise and the border crackles with a strange energy, Wolfboy meets a stranger at the Diabetic Hotel. She tells him her name is Wildgirl, and she dares him to be her guide through the endless night.

But then they are mugged by the sugar-crazed Kidds. And what plays out is moving, reckless...dangerous. There are things that can only be said in the dark. And one long night is time enough to change your life.

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: 'There are changes that creep up on you slowly, and then there are sudden changes that rip your apart, so that you don't know who you are anymore.'

This Is Shyness is delightfully different.  I have been thinking for days now, how I am going to review this totally unexpected, completely original but brilliant book. 

First of all the world of Shyness is so unique.  It is like the rest of world is normal and this one little suburb is covered in constant darkness and full of unexplainable things and not really anyone knows about it.   At first I question the world a little bit but then I got pulled into the story thanks to Hall's remarkable writing and just went with it and focused on the adventure these two characters, named Wolfboy and Wildgril, where having. 

Leanne Hall writing is simple but beautiful.  It is not overly descriptive but you can imagine the world, the adventure and the characters emotions perfectly.  The book is written from both Wolfboy and Wildgirl's points of views and flows from one to another effortless. 

Wildgirl and Wolfboy are both edgy, charming and real characters. Both have issues that are avoiding.   You can't help be drawn to these two and wish you were surrounded in darkness and there on the adventure with them.  The romance in this book is very subtle, just the way I like it.

'I can't believe how funny she is.  I've hit the jackpot here.  If I was different  person, if my life was less complicated, if I had more to offer her than just sadness, if I didn't feel so tired from the weight of the entire world pressing down on me, then this would be the moment I would try to kiss her.' 

There is one little thing that may bother some readers about this book.  At the end I was with left with a couple of little questions.  It left me wondering if Hall going to write more on this world. If she did I would be lining up for it on release day.  However just a warning if you like your books wrapped up perfectly with a bow on top this may annoy you. 

Overall, This Is Shyness is refreshing read and outstanding debut.    I can't wait to see what Hall has install for us next.

Rating: 4.5/5

For more reviews: Inkcrush and Goodreads

Want more info:  Leanne Hall's blog

Watch the trailer (one of my favourites of 2010):


This Is Shyness from All Things Considered on Vimeo.

In My Mail Box #9

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

For Review:

Fury by Shirley Marr -  I received this gorgeously wrapped package from Shirley Marr containing a personalised signed copy of Fury, postcard and bookmark.  Shirley Marr is an Aussie author.  Fury is her debut novel and is a perfect book for the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.  I can't wait to devour this book!

Gifted 

Dark Reflections: The Water Mirror, The Stone Light & The Glass World by Kai Meyers - A gift from a friend in Germany (so a well travelled book!).  It is three books in one and is YA fantasy.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami -  An early Christmas present from another friend.  This is one of her favourites.  From the blurb and what she has said it sounds like quite a different read.  Japanese contemporary fiction.

I also won some Beautiful Darkness and Afterlife swag.

What did you get in your mail box?

Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads Description - 
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

My Review: -

Favourite Quote: "So what do I wish for? Something I'm not sure I want? Someone I'm not sure I need? Or someone I know I can't have?"

J'adore ce livre.  In English - I love this book.  I have been reading one fantastic review after another and trust me Anna and The French Kiss lives up to all the hype.  And now I am going to have to insist that every book lover I know read this book because to me it is the perfect love story.  Here is why:-

Because like true life the path of love never runs smoothly.  Anna and St Clair didn't just instantly get together they had to overcome issues.   I find it much more believable when characters work towards their happily ever after.  It seems like maybe this could happen to you (apart from the whole living in Paris thing - although that would be nice!)

Anna and St. Clair's romance happens slowly and naturally.  It is nice to see a relationship bloom from friendship to a deeper connection.  You can see all the little and big reasons (like great hair - just kidding, sort of) why these two fell in love.

Because Perkins included and wrote with perfect detail all the understated moments like accidentally brushing arms or touching legs that helps you really feel the chemistry between these two. 

One of his legs rests against mine.  Despite the two layers of pants between us, I feel naked and vulnerable.  He shifts again and now my entire leg, from calf to thigh rests against him.  I smell his hair.  Mmm.  NO!

Because of the brilliant writing.  It is hard to describe but it is like the words just disappear and you are just feeling this story.   I am still shocked this is Stephanie Perkins debut novel.  The dialogue was suprisingly funny and witty. 

I mean, really. Who sends their kid to boarding school? It's so Hogwarts. Only mine doesn't have cute boy wizards or magic candy or flying lessons.

I also didn't expect so much depth to the characters.  Anna and St. Clair will capture your heart and you won't want to let go. 

So be prepared to fall in love with St Clair and Anna and of course Paris.   Je l'ai aimé. LISEZ-LE!  (I loved it. READ IT!)

Rating: 5/5

Other rave reviews: Inkcrush Words on Paper and Not Enough Bookshelves (a big thank you to Alexa who I won this book from)

For More Info check out: Stephanie Perkins' website

Feeling Blue - Aussie Covers

If you are new to my blog, I like to do a regular feature on Aussie book cover's to help promote all the great books we have hiding down here.  The following covers all have the same theme - the colour BLUE and a vibrant feel!

Dreaming of Amelia                     Slice: Juicy Moments From My Impossible Life

Jarvis 24                                                              Raw Blue

The Spellbook of Listen Taylor

I love all these covers so it is hard to choose a favourite.  So it is a toss up between Jarvis 24 - I like the whole urban meets romance feel and Slice - simple but a lot of fun. 

All these books would make great reads for Aussie YA Reading Challenge 2011 (a challenge I am hosting here together with Inkcrush).  I have read Raw Blue and highly recommend it. While the others will be going on my reading list for the challenge. 

What is your favourite?