Review: Carnival of Souls

Title:  Carnival of Souls
Author:  Melissa Marr
Pages:  306
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Obtained:  Purchased at Signing
Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Summary:  In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

The Dish:  This is my first novel by Melissa Marr, and in all honesty, it's one of my absolutely favorite books read this year.  In two different worlds, the lives of Mallory, Kaleb, Aya, and other characters are intertwined into a story that sucks readers in, bringing them to the edge of their seats and wanting to know the outcome of everyone's actions.

The background stories and development of all of the characters from Mallory and Kaleb to Aya, Belias, and even Zevi was by far one of the best parts of reading Carnival of Souls.  There was so much going on with all of these characters, I couldn't help becoming close to each of them, and I can see how much readers would definitely enjoy getting to know them.  With all of the layers possessed by the main characters, even those that readers might question their motives earlier in the story will soon have the same readers cheering for them in later chapters.

While reading I couldn't help breezing through the pages without needing any breaks, and this was probably due to the pacing and various changes between character perspectives.  I was a little surprised that the majority of the story took place in The City with Kaleb and Aya; the summary led me to believe it would be more in the human realm with Mallory.  However, the transitions between the two worlds were flawless, and I found the setting of The City to be darkly exciting in contrast to the "safe world" Mallory's father tried to mold for her in the human/witch world.

I think most readers will enjoy the camaraderie of the characters, the intense life of The City, and seeing the prejudices among both Daimons and Witches begin to break down within just one small group.  It is with much anticipation and a pounding heart that I await the next part of Carnival of Souls.

Top Ten Tuesday (54): Books I'd Want on a Deserted Island

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'd Want on a Deserted Island

(In no particular order)

1) Watership Down by Richard Adams - I've read my copy seven times already in it's lifetime, and I just cannot part with it or get tired of it. 

2) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - While my copy is now signed, this is an important book because it was the first book my beau and I read together. Plus, if the island gets TOO hot, the temperatures in Maggie Stiefvater's werewolf novel should help cool me down.

3) The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson - With what heroine Elisa goes through in the second part of the novel, it will help readers in how to survive on a deserted island (even if she was in a desert).

4) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr - This one is on the list ONLY if it's compiled with its sequel so the story is complete.  It was an amazing read, and I would be thrilled to have it with me on a deserted island.

5) Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs - You need humor to get you through a trying time, and what better book to have than one that also takes place on an island? (Also, only if it's compiled with the sequel, Goddess Boot Camp.)

6) Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff - I've been eagerly anticipating reading this book, and there's no way I won't take it with me to a deserted island so I can finally read it.

7) A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - This book has been an intimidating addition to my TBR shelf, and I figure there should be no better time to read it than while on a deserted island.

8) D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths - One way to not get bored is by having variety, and a compendium of stories or myths on hand is definitely varied enough for me.

9) Fateful by Claudia Gray - While I haven't read this novel involving werewolves on the Titanic, I figure it will put things in perspective while I'm on the deserted island.

10) Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick - I had to sneak in a picture book without it being a graphic novel. ;)

Honorable Mentions: 

The Study Series (Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study) by Maria V. Snyder (including the unpublished new additions to the series)

The Edelstein Trilogy (Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, and Emerald Green) by Kerstin Gier
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Top Ten Tuesday (53): Anticipated Books TBR In Fall

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 Anticipated Books TBR In Fall

(In no particular order)

1) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - After attending the signing in late October and hearing what is in store in her next series, I'm really excited to read this one.

2) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr - The song that inspired her to write this novel is remarkable.  It's also inspiring me to read my copy soon.

3) The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson - Reading The Girl of Fire and Thorns brought back a lot of memories of my initial love of fantasy books, and I anticipate the sequel will, too.

4) Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff - With everything I've heard, I'm so glad there's a copy waiting on my shelves to read soon.

5) Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout - This one has me so curious about what more will happen to Katy especially when it involves Daimon Black. (Also, I'm really hoping that Houston wins the Release Party for Opal!)

6) Alchemystic by Anton Strout - Most of the reviews I've read have been really positive, and I must read my birthday present from my beau soon. :)

7) Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier - While this one isn't on my shelves currently (like the others), it won't be long before I have it on hand to continue Gwen's thrilling, time-traveling story.

8) Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas - I managed to work up the courage to request an ARC of this anticipated read, and I cannot wait to read it. 

9) Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint - I know it's after Halloween, but this is a werewolf book I've been wanting to read for awhile now. 

10) Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs - It's about time I read the sequel to the hilarious Oh. My. Gods. 

Monday Mashup: Ladybug Storytime

Welcome to the Monday Mashup, a no frills but all thrills meme with no commitment issues!  Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy of DJ Librarian Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked by Poison.  All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!

If you'd like to be featured or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Today's featured blogger is: Kristina of Ladybug Storytime!

1.     Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?

My name is Kristina. I am a book blogger and 9th grade social studies teacher.

2.     How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging since January 2011.

3.     Why did you get into blogging?

I wanted to meet other people like me who love books as much as I do.

4.     What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book that you have read so far in 2012?

I just started Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard. My favorite book of 2012 so far has been Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry.

5.      What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?

I really love when I have interviews and guest posts from authors.

6.      Where do you see your blog in five years?

I see my reviews getting better. I also see myself making more bookish friends.

7.      Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

I love my interview with Ada Adams, author of ReVamped and ReAwakened. She is so sweet and funny. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://ladybugstorytime.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-and-giveaway-ada-adams.html

8.      If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?

I want to talk to Noah Hutchins (Pushing the Limits) because I love him! I would also want to meet Zsadist (Lover Awakened) because he has been through a lot and seems like a very interesting guy.

9.      What literary location would you most like to visit?  Why?

I don't really know if it would be considered a literacy location, but I would love to go to Paris, France and England, and see all of the old historic sites.

10.  What is your favorite part about the book blogging community?  Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

I absolutely love all of the friends that I made through blogging! When I moved to Texas, every single one of them made me feel welcomed. I would like people to stop the stupid drama.

11.  Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging?  How?

It hasn't really changed, but I do find myself trying new books and genres more.

And now about you:

12.  Tell us three non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

1. I have to wear socks when I go to bed.

2. I am happiest in the Fall, with dark nail polish on, my uggs and scarf, and with a hot chocolate.

3. I like to shower in the dark.

13.  What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?

Since I started my job, I have no free time!  The little time I do have, I use to read.

14.  If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?

I would go to Paris, walk the old streets, and eat in a Paris cafe. 

15.  If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?

Paris, France

16.  What are some of your hobbies and interests you enjoy?

I am a boring person. I don't really have time for hobbies and interests. I wish I did have time though!

Flash Round:

17. Cake or pie? Apple Pie

18.  Coffee or tea? Coffee. I need it to survive!

19.  Beach or mountains? Mountains

20. Night owl or morning dove? I am not a morning person at all, but I am most productive in the morning. I am really productive when I am half-asleep! 

Thank you so much for coming by today, Kristina!  And you're not boring, silly, you're just a busy, career-focused woman. ^_^  Keep on reading and I hope to see you soon!

YA Mythology Hop

Hosted by For Those About to Read &

I Am A Reader Not A Writer

Mythology has always been a fascinating area of literature for me, especially Greek mythology.  For the YA Mythology Giveaway, I have a hardcover copy of Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini for ONE lucky reader.  

To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thought for Thursday: Halloween Treats!

It's that time of year again.  When everyone starts seeing ghoulish decorations and shopping for that "perfect persona."  Yes, my friends, this is Halloween.  I love Halloween even to this day.  It's the chance for people of all ages to dress up and have some fun while also either distributing candy or obtaining said candy.  Now, while I don't go out Trick-or-Treating anymore, I still enjoy looking through the costumes, the books and tv specials, and of course the candy.

(Image from 5 Minutes for Mom)
(Also, is that a bag of Cheetos in a candy pile???)

Who doesn't have a favorite treat they enjoyed each Halloween?  For me, there were far too many to count, but I enjoyed pouring out all of the candy from my Jack-o-Lantern onto the table (so my dad could inspect it) and dividing the loot into the various piles in the order I would consume them.  Yes, I was one of THOSE kids, but to my credit, the candy lasted well into November thanks to that method. ^_~  I think my favorites were usually candies with caramel, though I was very fond of KitKats and other Fun-size candy bars like Twix and Crunch.

(Image from Cocoa Heaven)

(Except for the Almond Joy... coconut, yeck!)

Now there were also those candies that I found... unappealing.  Some might say it's because of my young palate being unable to appreciate those candies, but no.  I still don't like them and was glad I didn't eat them. If my parents didn't take them, and it was still early in the night, we'd add those candies to the bowl for our Trick-or-Treaters.  (Recycling is good, better than being wasteful.)  However, if it was too late to expect more costumers, my parents would ask me to trade or give them out to my classmates the next school day.

(Image from Candy Addict)

I think the most confounding one was the wax candy lips.  Why would anyone want to eat candy that tasted or had the texture of wax?  My mom would often play with these, but she never ate them and I can totally see why.  They just look utterly creepy.  In that same vein (no pun intended), what was up with Nik-L-Nips candy?  I pretty much stick with this equation as a candy connoiseur:
Candy + wax = Not candy

Lucky for me, there are better and now more gourmet treats to both partake and make at Halloween.  Such as chocolate-covered apples!

(Image from BeGifty)

Always be willing to think outside the box.  Now, I wish all of you a

Happy Halloween!

Waiting on Wednesday: Ashes on the Waves

"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:

 Ashes on the Waves

By Mary Lindsey

Publish Date: June 27th, 2013 by Philomel/Penguin

From Goodreads~

Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam's fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make a wager on the couple's love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial—and this time it's not only their love that's in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe's chilling poem Annabel Lee, Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.

Oh. My. God.  I cannot wait for Mary's newest book to release.  After enjoying Shattered Souls, her latest novel sounds so amazing.  I'm very eager to see what story she has composed for her readers based off Poe's "Annabel Lee."  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^