Month: December 2010

Favorite Books of 2010

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf2 Comments

Now that 2010 is over, it is time to reflect on the year. This year there were so many wonderful books published it was impossible for me to pick just 10. I’m going to show you my top ten but then also show you my other favorites from this year as well. There was just so much AWESOME this year, it was nearly impossible to limit my list.

My Top 10 Books of 2010 (in no particular order):

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
An amazing debut novel from the extremely talent, and extremely nice, Alexandra Bracken. I just love this book. I love the world Alexandra Bracken created. No matter how many times I read this book, I’m always blown away by it. Everything is just perfect. And of course this book has North, who I love. Read a full review from The Book Cellar.

Sea by Heidi R. Kling
Ahh Sea. Whenever I think of Sea I get all warm and fuzzy. I love this book so much. Heidi R. Kling has written such a powerful, moving book that captured my heart the moment I read the first page. I remember the day this book came out I got it on my Nook and was reading it in school when I should have been doing work. I cannot explain how much I love this book. So breath-takingly beautiful. I love its so much I even created a website for it. Without a doubt Sea is a great debut and a fabulous book from 2010. Read my full review.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
One of my favorite contemporary romances, and one of the best books without a doubt of 2010. Funny, romantic and just amazing. This book was everything and more. Another great debut novel from such a talent writer. ANNA is simply amazing. Read my full review.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
I don’t think I’ve ever reread a book immediately after finishing it, but I did with Hex Hall. This book was perfect. Sophie was such a great character and truly had me laughing out loud. Once again, Hex Hall is a great book from a debut author. It’s got a great cast of characters, cute boys, mystery and magic. Everything I want in a book and more. Read a full review from Frenzy of Noise.

By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Wow. This was such an emotional book. I still remember reading this book and crying during parts of it. So good. This book says so much while its main character says so little. Dealing with the difficult topic of suicide and death, Julie Anne Peters capture’s Daelyn’s struggle perfectly. This book will definitely stay with you once you read it. Read my full review.

13 to Life by Shannon Delany
One of my new favorite series. 13 to Life was so much more than a typical  paranormal romance. I loved everything about this book, especially the wonderful characters. If you couldn’t tell, I really love this series, and the next one Secrets and Shadows continues this wonderful series. Read my full review. Check out my Fragment Friday featuring 13 to Life.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
I was awaiting this book for so long and was not disappointed at all. If anything, I think this first book in the Infernal Devices is even better than the Mortal Instrument series. I mean it’s hard not to love. Victorian England, Shadow Hunters, hot boys, steampunk. What is not to love? Read a full review from Ticket to Anywhere.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel 
Oh Infinite Days how I love you. Such a beautifully written book. I loved that this was soooo not a typical vampire book. Rebecca Maizel was able to suck me into Lenah’s world from the first page of this book. A vampire who turns human in order to feel. Lovely, truly, lovely. Read my full review.

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 
Not many times do I love a sequel more than the first in a series, but Beautiful Darkness surpassed Beautiful Creatures. This book was amazing. So much happened and I literally could not predict where Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl were going to take us next. And poor Ethan. I literally just wanted to give him a hug. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl really do know how to write a kickass story. Read my full review.

The Iron King and The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Okay, while these are two books, they both make my top ten list since they are in the same series. Wow. The Iron Fey series is definitely one of the best book series out there. I love the new take on fairies, with a whole race of Fey created of iron. And boy, does Julie Kagawa know how to write a kick ass story. And then there is Ash *sigh*. I don’t know how you can not LOVE this series. Read a full review of the Iron King from The Book Cellar. Read my full review of the Iron Daughter.

Other favorite books from 2010 include:

100 Followers Giveaway!!

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf5 Comments

Yesterday I reached over a 100 followers here! I’m extremely thrilled and grateful about this that I’m gonna give away some books. 1 winner will receive some of the swag I have around my room and copies of the following books:

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
and Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
This contest is open to US residents only. The contest ends January 13, 2011. To enter fill out the form below! 

Waiting on Wednesday (28) – Secrets and Shadows

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf12 Comments
Secrets and Shadows
Shannon Delany
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
To be released: February 15, 2011
Summary (from Goodreads):
Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she’s seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she’s suspected. With Jess’ realization that the Rusakovas’ mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group’s choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite to free their mother – and those who Jess thought to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more…
I just want to say I’ve already read this book but I’m still anxiously awaiting its release. I loved 13 to Life sooooo much. Like seriously, I loved it and this series is awesome. I think that people should definitely be waiting on the sequel to 13 to Life, and believe me, it’s awesome. I’m so buying a finished copy when it’s released so I cannot wait for its release.

And don’t forget to check out my review of the first book, 13 to Life!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Review: The Iron Queen

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf1 Comment
Iron Queen
Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Different Area Codes Book Tours
Ratings: 5 Stars
Summary (from Goodreads):
My name is Meaghan Chase.
I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who’s sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.
I did not think there was anyway Julie Kagawa could top the previous book in the Iron Fey series, but Iron Queen blew me away and exceeded all expectations I had. Iron Queen was, by far, the best book in the entire Iron Fey series!
I am going to start off by saying that this review is going to be spoiler free so I am going to stay away from anything plot related because I am worried any little thing I say could be spoilery and I do not want to ruin this book for anyone.
This book was beyond awesome. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I sat down to read Iron Queen and could not stop reading it until I had finished reading the book. I forgot the enormous pile of homework I should have been doing and was sucked completely into the story of Iron Queen.
Julie Kagawa has written a fabulous third novel. All the favorite characters are back and put through so many twists and turns. The plot was amazing. Reading this book for me was like watching an amazing movie. I could literally picture every scene playing out in my head. There was great action scene too, of some epic portions. The plot had so many twists and turns I had no idea what was going to happen next. Julie Kagawa had me constantly on my toes, unsure what was going to happen to Meaghan, Ash and Puck next.
One of my favorite things about this third book in the Iron Fey series is that you can truly see how much each of the characters has grown. Meaghan has progressed so much as a character since the frighten, naïve girl with no knowledge of the Fey realm into this knowledgeable, strong, driven character. I loved seeing her come into her own and taking control. Ash and Puck have also grown as characters and I loved their growth and its amazing to see where Julie Kagawa has taken all these characters from Iron King to now in the Iron Queen
I really do not know how to describe this book. Julie Kagawa blew me away. I though the Iron Daughter was emotional rollercoaster, but it was nothing compared to this book. I was literally all over the place with emotion. I’m just going to say, I did cry during this book. And the ending. The ending was everything I expected from Julie Kagawa, full blown, emotion packed ending that left me dying for more.
The ending left me desperately waiting for Iron Knight. I am so glad this is not the final book and that the story is going to continue because it just needs too. I do not want to leave this fabulous world that Julie Kagawa has created. Iron Knight needs to be out now because that ending, in my opinion, was so much worse than Iron Daughter, and that had me driven mad that I could read the next one immediately.
Iron Queen was a beautiful masterpiece of a book. Truly wonderful. I really have no other words to describe it. It was simply, and purely, amazing.

Waiting on Wednesday (27) – City of Fallen Angels

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf10 Comments
City of Fallen Angels
Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
To be released: April 5, 2011
Summary (from Goodreads):
City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in the bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.
“City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.”
Since the cover was released last week, I thought it was an appropriate time to say how EXCITED I AM FOR THIS BOOK!!! I love the Mortal Instruments series and have been dying for this book since the Bryant Park signing two summers ago when this book was announced. I cannot wait to see what twists and a turns Cassandra Clare takes on in this next installment of the Mortal Instruments series.
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teaser Tuesday: Clockwork Angel

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf3 Comments
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser this week comes from:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

“‘They ate it too,’ Will reminisced. ‘Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck'”

Review: Across the Universe

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf2 Comments
Across the Universe
Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Borrowed from Gail
Ratings: 4 Stars
Summary (from Goodreads):
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
Across the Universe was a refreshing read, combining sci-fi, romantic, mystery and suspense. Beth Revis has written a stunning debut novel.
I want to start out this review discussing the first chapter of this book. I have never been more in love with a first chapter as much as am with this book’s first chapter. Beth Revis has writing a fascinating beginning to a great story that captivates you literally from page one. The first chapter starts out from Amy’s point view, showing the cryogenic freezing of her parents and herself for their mission on the ship the Godspeed. I was creeped out yet fascinated by the description of the process and the emotion’s Amy was feeling and what she was thinking while the freezing was occurring. This first chapter definitely captured my attention and had me very intrigued to see where the rest of the book would go.
Beth Revis did not disappoint after the first chapter. This book is told in dual point of view between Amy and Elder. While I usually really dislike two or more points of views, I felt that it worked create in the case of Across the Universe. I really have no clue how the story would unfold without the two different perspectives. Amy is a foreigner on the Godspeed, completely isolated from the inhabitants of the ship after her early awakening. Elder is the future leader of the ship, board and bred on the ship. Their differing points of views provide different insight on life on the ship, and the secrets that are kept on the ship.
While I found the plot sometimes slow, overall, I extremely enjoyed the story. I loved the whole idea of having no where to escape, no where to go,  a lot of the feelings that Amy felt. The story was well-written and the emotions felt completely real. However, I found the some of the plot twists a bit predictable, but enjoyed the unveiling of them even if I figured them out in advance.
After reading this book, I wanted to learn more about Elder and Amy. I wanted to know what happens on the Godspeed next. Beth Revis has written a great debut. I truly loved how she was able to capture the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Across the Universeis a very good book that was something a bit different from a lot of other YA books out there, and for that I was glad. I cannot wait to read more from Beth Revis in the future since I highly enjoyed her first book.

Waiting on Wednesday (26) – Enclave

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf5 Comments
Enclave
Ann Aguirre
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
To be released: April 12, 2011
Summary (from Goodreads):
WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE
In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms.
Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember. As a Huntress, her purpose is clear–to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade.
When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning. Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth.
Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace. As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.
I found this book when going through the list of debut authors for the 2011 Debut Authors Challenge and became extremely excited. This book sounds awesome. I’m so excited to read it. It’s sounds awesome and I wish it was April so that I could read it now!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teaser Tuesday: Iron Queen

Dani @ Overflowing Shelf6 Comments

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser this week comes from:
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

“‘A charming tradition, to be sure. The court love such dramatic tragedies.”