Top Ten Tuesday (58): Books I Read in 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Books I Read in 2012

(Disclaimer: I'm only including books I reviewed in 2012 and in no particular order.)

1) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (Review) - This book only inspired me to check out more books by Melissa Marr.

2) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Review) - I think Maggie has another winning series with The Raven Cycle.

3) The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (Review) - Such a wonderful surprise, I loved this book so much and reminded me of my love of fantasy books.

4) The List by Siobhan Vivian (Review) - Writing from eight different POVs, this was an impressive example of what high school can be like.

5) Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Review) - Science fiction in everyday life.  What's not to love?

6) Underworld by Meg Cabot (Review) - Happily, this book didn't have any "second book syndrome" for me, and I'm eager to read the conclusion next year!

7) Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey (Review) - Exciting and unique story that takes place in my hometown.

8) Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (Review) - Hilarious and winning concept on Greek mythology with a great and fun implementation.

9) Anew by Chelsea Fine (Review) - How immortality can really be a curse and how far love will go to break that curse.
10) Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble (Review) - Russian folklore at its finest, this is one story that offers readers something outside of the box.

Top Ten Tuesday (56): Most Anticipated Books For 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

1) Awaken by Meg Cabot (May 2013)

2) Everbound by Brodi Ashton (January 2013) 

3) Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (February 2013)

4) Solstice by P.J. Hoover (June 2013)

5) Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier (2013)

6) Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey (June 2013) 

7) Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield (May 2013)

8) The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble (May 2013)

9) Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black (February 2013)

10) The Archived by Victoria Schwab (January 2013)

Top Ten Tuesday: Books/Authors I'm Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Books/Authors I'm Thankful For

1) Maggie Stiefvater - This is one awesome lady that I'm so happy to have had the chance to meet in person this year.  Her books never cease to make me smile, and I look forward to reading more from her. ^_^

2) Maria V. Snyder - I was SO thrilled to hear that there will be 3 more books featuring Yelena, Valek, Ari, and Janco from the Study books!  If you want to see a unique fantasy world, look no further than this lady's work. 

3) Natsuki Takaya - Creator of one of the best manga series, Fruits Basket, I'm thankful she's a talented artist and mangaka. 

4) Harper Lee - While she might have been a "one-hit wonder", that one hit was more than just a hit.  To Kill a Mockingbird was one of the novels I read and truly appreciated in high school, so I'm thankful Lee brought Atticus and Scout into our lives. 

5) Charles M. Schultz - Who wouldn't be thankful for the man who brought the world the Peanuts gang?  With the holiday season, it makes me nostalgic for the old Charlie Brown comics. 

6) The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson - With one of the most realistic and phenomenal heroines featured in the story, I'm thankful that Elisa is a true heroine that readers can look up to and admire.

7) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr - I'm thankful this book brought me out of a serious reading slump with it's fast pace and endearing characters.  I cannot wait until its sequel is released.

8) Black Unicorn by Tanith Lee - While this is the only series I've read by Tanith Lee, I'm thankful that I found a book that made me see unicorns in an entirely different light.

9) Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble - In a world filled with various renditions of Greek myths (usually the same myth *cough*Hades&Persephone*cough*), I'm thankful for Joy Preble breaking out of that mold and bring readers blended Russian folklore and history.

10) Watership Down by Richard Adams - I know, I can't seem to get away from this novel, but it's been one of my favorites ever since I read it back in 7th grade... 4 times.  But I'm still thankful that I found this classic novel after watching the animated film in 3rd grade (terrifying for 9-year-olds but a very memorable story).  It left that much of an impression on me, and it's a novel I will always recommend to anyone.

Thought for Thursday: Dear Author

Do you remember your first letter/email that you wrote to an author?  Remember that feeling of nervousness you got when trying to formulate just how much you enjoyed said author's book(s) into either an understandable letter or email?  I know I definitely do. 

Of course, this was when I felt authors were these awesome beings that were cloistered away from the masses of readers out in the world.  Yes, when I believed that publishing houses spirited away their authors, and letters were rarely to be replied to since authors were so busy writing their next book.  Honestly, you can't say that you didn't think that once upon a time, too, right? 

Now in the digital age, readers are so very fortunate to be able to interact with authors not online via email, twitter, and blogs, but also in person with all of the amazing tours set in motion by *cues dramatic music* the same publishing houses I thought were keeping the authors busy at their computers.  How silly I was back then! 

But I'm getting away from my point.  The first author I ever wrote an email to (yes, I was too scared to send fanmail only to receive a carbon-copied response in return) was Carol Berg, author of Transformation. 

I was in awe of this book mostly because it took me two times to read it, not because of disinterest.  No, during college, I accidentally dropped it and lost my place in the book when my bookmark went flying out of the pages.  D'oh!  So I had to start over and I was glad I did because I saw certain aspects of protagonist Seyonne's life in slavery that I had missed during the first read.  When I wrote my email to Carol Berg, I wasn't really expect a response, so when I got one, I was flabbergasted.  And also very happy.  Below is my email to Carol.

"Dear Ms. Berg,
I am sure you receive mail from many readers, but I still wanted to send this letter regarding Transformation in the hopes that you would have time to read it.  After starting the book my freshman year of college, I clumsily dropped the book, sending my bookmark flying and losing my page.  Although I wanted to read Transformation again, I was unable to begin it because my English classes (my major) consumed all my reading time.  It was two years after that I was able to pick up Transformation and begin reading it.  When I reached the part where I stopped, I set the book aside but not just due to more readings.  I wanted to be able to enjoy Transformation to the fullest extent, and to do so, I needed to have the anticipation of finishing it.  Although I have not finished the book, Transformation does consume part of my mind as I ponder the remarkable manner in which you developed both Seyonne and Prince Aleksander.  The setting is amazing, and the trials Seyonne undertakes in the Derzhi world and within the Ezzarian world are so realistic and vivid, it makes me want to cry for him.  I am nearing the end of Transformation, and I look forward to continuing the story with both Revelation and Restoration (already in my possession).  Transformation has been an inspiration to me and my own writing, and I must offer my gratitude to you for creating this world.  Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. 

Sincerely,
Amy"

And her response:

"Dear Amy,

What a lovely letter.  I am always thrilled to hear from happy readers, especially when they say they have found themselves immersed in the world and feeling things along with the characters.  No higher praise, as far as I'm concerned.  And it is such a pleasure to hear that my work has inspired you to move ahead with your own writing. Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to let me know.

Best of luck with your studies and your writing.
Carol"

Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear from her.  And that is what got me thinking about how fortunate we readers are in this digital age to be able to communicate with authors we adore and admire so... well, easily.  Still, I admit to being nervous each time I do take the time to write an email to authors for the first time or even Tweet to them.  Even with that nervousness, I know that they appreciate their readers.  And so, dear Authors I have met or hopefully will meet, thank you.  Thank you for all you do and thank you for giving your time to your readers.  ^_^

P.S. To Mary Lindsey, Joy Preble, Lynne Kelly, C.C. Hunter, Christina Mandelski, and any other local authors I have missed, keep doing our city proud!

P.P.S. To the staff at Blue Willow Books, Murder by the Book, and Katy Budget Books, thank you!

Stacking the Shelves (9)

We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking the Shelves, created and hosted at Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks!

For Review:

Amarok ARC by Angela J. Townsend (From Spencer Hill Press)

Wild Ink by Victoria Hanley (From Prufrock Press thanks to LibraryThing)

I'm really excited to read Amarok and also to have a great writing tool like Wild Ink.

Bought: 

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma (Bought)

Haunted by Joy Preble (Bought & Signed)

Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble (Bought & Signed)

It was so exciting helping Joy Preble celebrate the completion of her Dreaming Anastasia trilogy. I look forward to seeing future books from her. ^_^  Also, Christin from Portrait of a Book nudged me into getting Forbidden, so hopefully I'll be able to read it soon.

From Library:

A Bride's Story Volume 2 by Kaoru Mori (From Library)

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout (From Library, sorry about the Interlibrary Loan tag)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (From Library)

My library is so efficient when it comes to getting the requested books I want to read.  Looks like August will be a very good month of library books. 

That's all for my shelves the past couple of weeks.  
What did you stack on your shelves?

Summer Giveaway Hop!

Hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & 

Mary from Bookhounds and Forever Young (Adult)

While I'm more of a fan of the cooler seasons, summer definitely has its perks. You can go swimming, wear sundresses, and read on a blanket under a tree (or from the comfort of your home in the A/C).  But most of all, I love the new releases.  More than that I love new releases by Texas authors, and so I'm giving away a copy of Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble to one lucky winner. ^_^ US entries only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anastasia Forever Blog Tour

I am so excited to be a part of the exclusive ANASTASIA FOREVER BLOG TOUR!  Only a lucky few have the chance to debut this trailer, and I’m beyond thrilled to see where Anne’s dreams lead her in the third and final installment of the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series.  Will she unlock the secrets of the past before they destroy her future?

Here’s the scoop on the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series!

There is so much to love about this series as Joy brilliantly blends Russian history, romance, magic and mythology into an enticing adventure.

In DREAMING ANASTASIA, Anne Michaelson begins to have unusual dreams and discovers that she is the only one who can save the daughter of the last tsar of Russia, Anastasia Romanov.  Believed to be dead by the world, Anastasia has been kept captive all these years by the Russian witch Baba Yaga, and only Ethan, a handsome and mysterious 18-year-old, can help Anne free Anastasia.  

Anne once again leaves behind her ordinary life in HAUNTED to join forces with the mysterious and gorgeous Ethan as the journey with the Romanov continues.  This time she is haunted by classic figures from Russian mythology, a rusalka, a Russian folklore mermaid with a malevolent streak –  and a particular interest in Anne,  who tells her that Anastasia is still alive.  As she and Ethan team up, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets - including the true source of Anne’s powers.

Now in ANASTASIA FOREVER, having survived Baba Yaga and the Rusalka, Anne finds herself bound by the witch to undertake a journey into past, present, and future that will determine her destiny - and that of everyone she loves.

Catch a preview of the danger, romance, and magic await Anne in this exciting glimpse ahead of ANASTASIA FOREVER by taking a look at a special sneak peak with the first three chapters here!

ANASTASIA FOREVER comes out this August, be sure to look out for all things Anastasia at Joy’s website joysnovelidea.blogspot.com.

Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Title:  Dreaming Anastasia
Author:  Joy Preble
Pages:  310
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy, Russian Folklore
Publisher:  SourceBooks
Obtained:  Purchased
Summary:  Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

The Dish:  What did happen to Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of the Russian tsar?  That is a mystery that has plagued historians for years, but in Dreaming Anastasia, Joy Preble has managed to integrate the mystery into a fairytale that readers will feel is more real than originally thought.  While the focus is not on Anastasia (at least not entirely), she is the key at the heart of the quest that brings together Ethan, a man who has been searching for the one girl who will help him free Anastasia, and Anne, a modern girl just trying to make it through high school.

I adored both Anne and Ethan.  Both of them developed as characters quite well considering the short amount of time they spend with each other.  It was a great big plus in my book to be able to get inside both of their heads as well as Anastasia's in chapters of alternating points of view.  For Anastasia, I feel as though I knew her more through her letters to her family, and how hard it must have been for her to write each of them.  There were a few chapters where I forgot who was talking and became a little confused, having to go back to the beginning of the chapter and remember whose point of view I was reading from.  However, once I dove further into the book, Preble's transitions between our three main characters were seamless.

Seeing the villain of a fairytale like Baba Yaga being used as a force for good puts the entire "good vs. evil" arguement in perspective.  There are always areas of gray matter in which a hero might be forced to do something wicked and a villain might do something beneficial for someone beyond themselves.  Characters that break the molds of their stereotypes draw my interest and curiosity, so I'm eager to see how Preble will utilize Baba Yaga in the next books. 

While Russian folklore isn't studied or read as often as other fairytales, I'm glad to see an author like Joy Preble thinking outside of the box with her Anastasia trilogy.  I'm looking forward to reading the continuation of Anne and Ethan's story in Haunted and Anastasia Forever (which is due to be released in August). 

Book 4

In My Mailbox (30): TXLA 2012 Edition

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

The annual Texas Library Association conference was this week, and it was my first time attending (even if it was just Wednesday).  The ARC haul... was intense and my shoulders are still feeling it, but it was so worth it especially since I was able to meet so many awesome Texas bloggers both local and out-of-town and phenomenal authors in-state and out-of-state! ^_^

YA Authors & Librarians Texas Tea:

Author round-up!  So many awesome YA authors in one place!

Here's some local lovelies, Mary Lindsey and Jessica Lee Anderson!

Mary's so sweet! I love being one of her book pimps!

Guess who was the first author at our table!!!  Maggie Stiefvater was talking about The Raven Boys, which all of our table was eager to hear more.

Maggie's also too cute!

Siobhan Vivian was next, and darn do I want to read her book, The List!

OMG, it's Neal Shusterman! Along with Unwholly, sequel to Unwind.

Here's another local lovely, Joy Preble, with Anastasia Forever.

Here's Jennifer A. Nielsen with her new novel, The False Prince. 

Houston bloggers (and writers) are such fun, so here's to Kate (from Ex Libris), Maria (from Cari's Book Blog), Kristin (from Kristin Creative), and Stephanie (from Stephanie, A History). I was also happy to meet the undeniably awesome Jen Bigheart from I Read Banned Books (next time I'll snag a picture of her). 

All righty on to the...

Joy! I've gotta talk about the books, silly!

From TXLA 2012:

Considering I only went on Wednesday, I think I made out quite nicely. 

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Underworld by Meg Cabot
Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble (signed!)
Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs (signed!)
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

Dark Lord the Teenage Years by Jamie Thomson

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy

The Pack: Dogs of the Drowned City by Dayna Lorentz

Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn

The Prince Who Fell from the Sky by John Claude Bemis

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Skinny by Donna Cooner

Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime by Kim Harrington

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea by Ellis Weiner

Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson (signed!)

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland

Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley

Anything by Ordinary by Lara Avery

The Cup and the Crown by Diane Stanley

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane (signed, and thanks to Kristin!)

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (personalized thanks to Karen!)

Spellwright by Blake Charlton (personalized!)

Whew! That's all for my mailbox this week. What did you get in your mailbox? ^_^

Texas YA Author Love Giveaway Winner Announced!

Since the annual Texas Library Association conference is just around the corner, I'm hosting a giveaway to show all of our Texas YA authors just how much their readers love them.  You can win TWO paranormal books of your choice from the list of titles below. 

Congratulations to Natasha! 

She has chosen Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter and Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey as her prizes.

In My Mailbox (29) and Teen Book Con Haul

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Library Stash:

Dating the Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

Gifts:

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons (signed!)
Article 5 Postcard
Grave Mercy ARC by R.L LaFevers
(All from Marla at Starting the Next Chapter, thanks hun!)

Bought:

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke

Teen Book Con:

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (signed!)
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (both mine and my beau's copies signed to both of us!)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (signed!)
The List by Siobhan Vivian (signed!)
Anastasia Forever bookmark and postcard from Joy Preble
Chained bookmark and YA Class of 2012 bookmark from Lynne Kelly

Pretty nice mailbox, thank you to Teen Book Con, Marla, and my library! What did you get in your mailbox? ^_^