"Waiting On" Wednesday: Touch of Power

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

This week's Waiting On Wednesday selection is: 

Touch of Power

By Maria V. Snyder

Publish Date: December 20, 2011 by Mira

From Goodreads~

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince--leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

I was already uber-excited about this novel's release simply because I love Maria's fantasy work.  Poison Study was my first and is still my most favorite title by Maria, but it was great to see how Yelena grew over the entirety of the Study trilogy.  Also, after reading Marla's review at Starting the Next Chapter, I'm even more eager to read Touch of Power as soon as possible.  Here's hoping Santa's got a surprise under the tree for me so I can buy my own copy!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?  I'd love to hear about it!

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Everneath and Asphodel

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Everneath

By: Brodi Ashton

Publish Date: January 24th, 2012 by Harper Collins

From Goodreads~

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now, she's returned-to her old life, her family, her friends-before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. 

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back-this time as his queen. 

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

This just sounds like such an awesome story, who wouldn't want to read Everneath? I envy my blogging friends who have received it as an ARC or from NetGalley, and I hope they enjoy it. 

Asphodel

By: Lauren Hammond

Publish Date: December 20th, 2011 by S.B. Addison Books

From Goodreads~

Persephone has been running for her entire life. Running from the humans to keep her immortality a secret. And running from a man who haunts her dreams. Not a man, but a god, who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. And what he wants most, is her. 

Trapped in the realm of the dead, Persephone plans to return to the land of the living. The underworld is a terrifying place where ghosts roam freely, three headed dogs patrol the gates,  and it's a living grave where the rules of earth and the warmth of the sun no longer apply. But then, something unexpected happens. Persephone finds herself falling for the god who abducted her, the god who has chased her for five thousand years, a god who is none other than death himself, Hades. 

Ripped out of the underworld by Zeus, Persephone must find a pomegranate to return to the realm of the dead and to her beloved. Consuming only a seed of the fruit of the dead would bind Persephone to spend her life beneath the earth's core with Hades. But Zeus has reduced every pomegranate tree in the world to ash. Except one. Persephone must locate that one remaining pomegranate tree, a quest that could ignite a war between the two mightiest of the gods. A war that could cause Persephone to lose the only family she's ever known or give up a love that comes only once every five thousand years.

Yet another take on the Persephone and Hades myth...and I am definitely not complaining about that fact. This one sounds quite exciting, and I can't wait to read Hammond's version of the story. 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Katana by Cole Gibson

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Katana

By: Cole Gibson

Publish Date: March 8, 2012 by Flux

From Goodreads~

Rileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline gave her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of fifteenth century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings. While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior. 

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana--a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her. 

Being a martial artist and a lover of Japanese culture and art, this book is definitely up my alley.  It sounds like an exciting story, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Rileigh will grow after knowing that she has the spirit of a samurai warrior within her.  Here's hoping March will get here soon!  Plus, that cover looks seriously awesome.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Sapphire Blue

By Kerstin Gier

Publish Date June 5th, 2012 by Henry Holt and Co.

From Goodreads~

Gwen's life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she's been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he's very warm indeed; the next he's freezing cold. Gwen's not sure what's going on there, but she's pretty much destined to find out. 

Holy schnikies, this is one trilogy that I probably should have waited until after all three books were released before I started reading them. I was thrilled with Ruby Red (see my review), and I was hoping Sapphire Blue would be released earlier in the year. It's already released over in Europe, thus my using the Italian, German, and Norwegian covers rather than the US cover (which still isn't up yet). There were so many questions left unanswered within the first book, I just can't wait to find out which will be answered in Sapphire Blue! Here's hoping the time will zip on by!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Underworld by Meg Cabot

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Underworld

By Meg Cabot

Publish Date May 2012 by Scholastic Inc.

From Goodreads~

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead. Not this time. But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey. Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety. Because not all the dearly departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance...on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves. But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there...and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies. And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

First of all, is that not a beautiful cover?  I was so excited when I saw it on Goodreads and on several blogs' Cover Reveals.  Abandon was my first ever Meg Cabot book, and I really did enjoy reading it.  The cliffhanger at the end of the novel really makes me eager for Underworld to be released as soon as possible.  May cannot get here soon enough, and I hope that the sequel is just as good as its predecessor.  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Destined by Jessie Harrell

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Destined

By: Jessie Harrell

Publish Date: November 17th, 2011, by Mae Day Publishing

From Goodreads~

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girls in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear. As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

More Greek mythology?  A "Psyche and Cupid" remake?  Be still my heart, I'm so excited about reading this!  Mythology, particularly Greek mythology, seems to be on the rise within new books, and it's interesting seeing the different routes authors choose to recreate timeless stories for Greek myth geeks like me.  I'm eager to see just how Ms. Harrell will tell this mythical love story.  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? 

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Awake at Dawn

By C.C. Hunter

Publish Date: October 11, 2011, by St. Martin's Griffin

From Goodreads.com~

Now that she's settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen's determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities.  But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about to die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie's quest for answers is quickly put on hold.

To make matters worse, just when she's about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away.  When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie feels more conflicted than ever.  Her weekend with her mom should have been the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point.  Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...

I'm so happy about Awake at Dawn being released soon, and just in time for Halloween!  Born at Midnight was a great introduction to Hunter's supernatural world and I enjoyed it thoroughly as seen by my review.  It will be interesting to see how much Kylie will learn within this next chapter of her story.  With all of these happenings though, I wonder just how much she'll be able to learn.  We'll just have to wait and see!  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Between the Sea and Sky

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Between the Sea and Sky

By Jaclyn Dolamore

Publish Date: October 25, 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

From Goodreads.com~

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have.  When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her.  Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city.  There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people.  As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship...and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air. 

First off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!  And now the story!  Two people from different worlds rebuilding a friendship that grows into love.  One bound to the sea and the other bound to the air.  It just sounds so romantic, and I'm eager to see how they will handle their impending separation once the task of finding Dosinia is complete.  I am definitely curious to know why Esmerine's sister ran away.  Here's hoping it will be a great story!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Half-Blood

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Half-Blood

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publish Date October 18th by Spenser Hill Press

From Goodreads.com~

The Hematoi descend from the union of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or becomes servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she might end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Yet another awesome school-based book only featuring a new type of half-blood when it comes to gods and mortals.  I'm all for books that involve unique supernatural beings, and Alexandria sounds like a girl who will kick some serious butt!  I'd like to get my hands on the prequel, Daimon, if possible!  If anyone has read Daimon, please tell me your thoughts. ^_^

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^

Special Side Dish: Be sure to check out the Glow Giveaway over at Books Beside My Bed!

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Fateful by Claudia Gray

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Fateful

By Claudia Gray

Publish Date: September 13, 2011 by HarperTeen

From Goodreads.com~

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for.  Once the ship they're sailing on reaches the United States, she'll strike out on her own.  Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly.  But Alec has secrets...

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec's past truly is.  The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they're stalking him--and now Tess, too.  Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Werewolves on the Titanic... this definitely has the makings of something fascinating and exciting.  I can only imagine scores of action, intrigue, with a bit of romance, and I'm thrilled about another new werewolf book. ^_^

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?  I'd like to hear it!

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Wonderstruck

By Brian Selznick

Publish Date: September 13, 2011 by Scholastic Press

From Goodreads.com~

Set fifty years apart, two independent stories--Ben’s told in words and Rose’s in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Even since his mom died, Ben feels lost. At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who. She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom’s room,

When a tempting opportunity presents itself ot Rose

Both children risk everything to find what’s missing. 

A story from two different points of views told using completely different means.  How cool is that?  With Selznick's beautiful illustrations to bring the story to life, I have no doubt this will be an amazing novel.  September cannot get here soon enough. 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^ I'd love to hear about it!