Books Releasing December 23

Four books with release dates this week, including the conclusion to one trilogy.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Happy Reading!

Transcendent, book 3 and conclusion to the Starling trilogy by Lesley Livingston

On a storm-swept terrace high above the streets of Manhattan, Mason Starling holds the fate of the world in her hands as her beloved Fennrys lies bleeding at her feet, his life hanging in the balance. The ancient Norse prophecy of Ragnarok stands poised on the knife's edge of fulfillment. Mason's transformation into a Valkyrie—a chooser of the slain and the one who will ultimately bring about the end of the world—is complete. Still, she remains determined to thwart her father's apocalyptic desires.

But whatever is to come won't happen because of a prophecy, what Gunnar Starling plans, or what the fates have already decided. What happens next will be up to Mason and the Fennrys Wolf. And the world had better hope they haven't reached the limits of what their souls and swords can survive.

Lesley Livingston has taken intense action and breathtaking romance to new heights in this epic conclusion to the Starling trilogy—a story readers will not want to put down.

This Shattered World, book 2 of the Starbound trilogy by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.  Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. His sister died in the original uprising against the powerful corporate conglomerate that rules Avon with an iron fist. These corporations make their fortune by terraforming uninhabitable planets across the universe and recruiting colonists to make the planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.  Desperate for any advantage against the military occupying his home, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape base together, caught between two sides in a senseless war.  The stunning second novel in the Starbound trilogy is an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness in a world torn apart by war.

 Note:  Already seen in Barnes & Noble 

Two Renegade Realms, book 2 of the Realm Walker Series by Donita K Paul

In book two of the Realm Walkers Series, Cantor, Bixby, and Dukmee must band together to find the storied realm walker Chomountain after the devastating attack by the corrupt Realm Walkers Guild. But what they discover while traveling turns their mission upside down and they must now find a way to restore Chomountain.

Both of Me by Jonathan Friesen

It was supposed to be just another flight, another escape into a foreign place where she could forget her past, forget her attachments. Until Clara found herself seated next to an alluring boy named Elias Phinn—a boy who seems to know secrets she has barely been able to admit to herself for years.

When her carry-on bag is accidentally switched with Elias’s identical pack, Clara uses the luggage tag to track down her things. At that address she discovers there is not one Elias Phinn, but two: the odd, paranoid, artistic, and often angry Elias she met on the plane, who lives in an imaginary world of his own making called Salem; and the kind, sweet, and soon irresistible Elias who greets her at the door, and who has no recollection of ever meeting Clara at all. As she learns of Elias’s dissociative identity disorder, and finds herself quickly entangled in both of Elias’s lives, Clara makes a decision that could change all of them forever. She is going to find out what the Salem Elias knows about her past, and how, even if it means playing along with his otherworldly quest. And she is going to find a way to keep the gentle Elias she’s beginning to love from ever disappearing again.

Note:  Age range on this one starts at 15.

We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sundquist

When I was twenty-five years old, it came to my attention that I had never had a girlfriend. At the time, I was actually under the impression that I was in a relationship, so this bit of news came as something of a shock.

Why was Josh still single? To find out, he tracked down each of the girls he had tried to date since middle school and asked them straight up: What went wrong?

The results of Josh's semiscientific investigation are in your hands. From a disastrous Putt-Putt date involving a backward prosthetic foot, to his introduction to CFD (Close Fast Dancing), and a misguided "grand gesture" at a Miss America pageant, this story is about looking for love-or at least a girlfriend-in all the wrong places.

Poignant, relatable, and wholly hilarious, this memoir is for anyone who has ever wondered, "Is there something wrong with me?"  (Spoiler Alert: the answer is no.)

 

Books Releasing December 15

Well, this has to be the quietest week for the year- 1 release.  So I'll post it, and some of my favorite Teen/YAbooks of the year.  This list is the one that comes to mind... if I think on it, well it's frightening how long that list would be!

The Lost, book 5 and the final book of the Witch and Wizard series by James Patterson

Whit and Wisty Allgood have fought and defeated their world's most pernicious threats: the evil dictator, The One Who Is The One, as well as his wicked father and son. But just as the heroic witch and wizard start to settle into their new roles in governance, a deadly crime wave grips their city, with all signs pointing to a magical mastermind every bit as powerful and heartless as The One. Now the siblings find themselves persecuted as the city turns against all magic users, and questioning everything, including each other--and, for the first time, their abilities. Can they confront the citizens' growing hostility and their own doubts in time to face the new enemy barreling toward their gates?
James Patterson brings the Witch & Wizard saga to a head by exposing the nature of power-and what it means for the heroes that have it.

I can't really choose a numerical order- I loved all of these books for different reasons!

For Fantasy:
The Kiss of Deception, Remnant Chronicles book 1 by Mary Pearson

I love the way she presents the Prince and the Assassin- you totally have to pay attention to the clues in order to figure out which one is which.  And since the Assassin is there to kill her, it pays to figure it out early!
This book was my favorite of the summer, between May and the first of September!
I read the ARC of The Heart of Betrayal, book #2, and it was amazing!  Just how far is she willing to go-what is she willing to sacrifice for the one she loves?  And just what are the guys in her life willing to do to keep her. 

For Epic Fantasy

Heir of Fire, Throne of Glass book 3 by Sarah J Maas

This book has a different pace than one and two.  It's got a great steady pace and there is so much going on!  Introduction to a new land, new characters, great romance, tons of action and a perfect-set-up to book four, which should be out Fall 2015.  This series is so incredible that I think I will always pick up her books when first published- hardcover or softcover.

For Dystopian
Pawn, Blackcoat Rebellion book 1 by Aimee' Carter

Kitty has 30 seconds to decide if she wants to remain a III and continue to sell herself into prostitution or take her assignment thousands of miles from home, or become a VII with no questions ask.  She takes the VII not realizing just how much she'd have to sacrifice- everything- much less all she'd have to learn, do and accomplish to stay alive.  
Captive, book 2, is out now and was a great read as well. 

For Fantasy, based on/off of a Fairy Tale

Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay

This is the story of Aurora, Sleeping Beauty's daughter.  She's a warrior and ready to take back her kingdom.  But she's no average mortal, she's been fairy blessed with the gifts of bravery, enhanced strength, mercy and what's more of a curse- takes the ability of free will from any boy who kisses her.  Disguised as a boy to begin gathering her army can she beat back the ogre queen's army and save her brother or is it a fight fated to be lost.

For Fantasy setting, Witches and world travel

Trial by Fire, Trial by Fire book 1 by Josephine Angelini

In this world in todays Salem, Lily has horrible allergies that keep her from living the life of an average teenager.  And when the guy she's crushed on forever betrays her, she's humiliated in front of a party, she goes off by herself and wishes she could disappear.  When she hears a voice asking her if she'd leave, it doesn't take much for her to say yes.

Now she's in an alternate Salem.   Seemingly a fantasy setting, with advanced technology and all she knows is she comes face-to-face with herself from this world, Lillian.  Here Lillian is dying and she needs Lily.  After explaining it all, Lily runs, having no idea the adventures that would unfold.  They look alike, genetically are identical, and Lillian is not a beloved person in this world.  Can Lily manage to prove, repeatedly, that she's not Lillian and stay alive.  Will she be able to hold her own against the witch and magic she's up against.  You'll have to read it to see!

 

Best Final Book of Series

In Elemental Magic

Sacrifice, Elemental book #5 by Brigid Kemmerer

This may be the last book, at least for now.  And it's Michael's story.  His parents died and he's all that's left holding his family together, and his brothers are all underage.  Keeping Social Services away means toeing the line and keeping all of it, including his brothers, together.  One mishap with his earth magic puts them on the radar of an Elemental Guide- one whose purpose is to destroy them all.  And it all starts to fall apart.  As things degrade even further, can they pull it together, not only as a family but as an elemental unit to defeat the enemy?  Awesome book!!!

In Dystopian

The One, Selection book 3 by Kiera Cass

Finally!!  A final book in a trilogy that I loved!  I hated Mockingjay, won't touch Allegiant...but this book, it restores my faith in final books!  The competition has increased greatly inside and the tension is skyrocketing outside and it's only now that she realizes what she wants and it's a tough fight to get it.  This series is such a beloved one that there are actually more books to come!! The Queen, a novella, was released awhile ago and The Heir, book 4, is due out 5/5/15.  

In Mythology

Killer Frost, Mythos Academy book 6 by Jennifer Estep

Champion to a goddess, wielding a talking sword and a magic that gives her history (of both people and things) makes Gwen Frost a worthy adversary, but Loki, he's about as fierce as it gets.  She doubts that she can beat him until the one she loves is in extreme danger, and that gives her an edge that pushes her to put forth everything she has, even at the cost of herself.  And while I was sad to see this series end, it was a worthy close to a great series.

In Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

City of Heavenly Fire, The Mortal Instruments book 6 by Cassandra Clare

Betrayals, traveling into realms unknown, danger, action-adventure, romance and everything you could ask for makes it into this final book.  Don't be sad, for avid fans The Bane Chronicles was just published and Lady Midnight, book 1 of The Dark Artifices, a series that takes place five years later, has an approximate date of September 2015.

Books Releasing December 9

Great mix of books this week- from fantasy to fiction to romance- there's something for everyone!  I'm really looking forward to reading Gathering Darkness and I thoroughly enjoyed Princess of Thorns!  Happy Reading!

Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay   (4 stars- really enjoyed this book!)

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm’s fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.
Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora’s throne ten years ago.
Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it’s too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love? 

Gathering Darkness, book 3 of The Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes

 

Love, vengeance, and greed spark a deadly quest for magic in the third book of the Falling Kingdoms series

Prince Magnus has just witnessed torture, death, and miracles during the bloody confrontation that decimated the rebel forces. Now he must choose between family and justice as his father, the cruel King Gaius, sets out to conquer all of Mytica. All Gaius needs now are the Kindred—the four elemental crystals that give godlike powers to their owner. But the King of Blood is not the only one hunting for this ancient, storied magic. . . .

THE KRAESHIANS join the hunt. Ashur and Amara, the royal siblings from the wealthy kingdom across the Silver Sea, charm and manipulate their way to the Kindred, proving to be more ruthless than perhaps even the King of Blood himself.

THE REBELS forge ahead. Princess Cleo and vengeful Jonas lead them, slaying with sweetness, skill, and a secret that can control Lucia’s overpowering magic—all so they can use the Kindred to win back their fallen kingdoms.

THE WATCHERS follow Melenia out of the Sanctuary. They ally in the flesh with King Gaius, who vows to use Lucia’s powers to unveil the Kindred.

The only certainty in these dark times is that whoever finds the magic first will control the fate of Mytica...but fate can be fickle when magic is involved.

Note:  At least 3 more books to come out through 2017

Note #2:  Already in the local Barnes & Noble here

 

Zodiac, book 1 of the Zodiac series by Romina Russell 

 

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….
Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs.

Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

"Take The Princess Diaries and add magic, murder and mystery, and you've got SUSPICION. A delightful read!"--Amy Plum, author of the of the international bestselling Die For Me series 

“There’s something hidden in the maze.”

Seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford has never forgotten the last words her father said to her, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family’s English country manor.  For seven years, images of her parents’ death have haunted Imogen’s dreams. In an effort to escape the past, she leaves Rockford Manor and moves to New York City with her new guardians. But some attachments prove impossible to shake—including her love for her handsome neighbor Sebastian Stanhope.
  Then a life-altering letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to the manor in England, where she quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind Rockford’s aristocratic exterior. At their center is Imogen herself—and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.

Combining spine-tingling mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Suspicion is an action-packed thrill ride.

Gasp, book 3 and conclusion to the Vision series by Lisa McMann

The visions aren’t stopping, and neither is the danger in this series conclusion from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.

After narrowly surviving two harrowing tragedies, Jules now fully understands the importance of the visions that she and those around her are experiencing. She’s convinced that if the vision curse passed from her to Sawyer after she saved him, then it must now have passed from Sawyer to one of the people he saved.

That means it’s up to Jules to figure out which of the school shooting survivors is now suffering from visions of another crisis. And once she realizes who it is, she has to convince that survivor that this isn’t all crazy—that the images are of something real. Something imminent.

As the danger escalates in this conclusion to the Visions series, Jules wonders if she’ll finally find out why and how this is happening—before it’s too late to prevent disaster.

For Real by Alison Cherry

From Alison Cherry, author of Red, a novel PW declares “sparkles with wit,” comes a terrific new book about two sisters and one big question: how do you know who’s for real?

No parents. No limits. No clue what they’re in for.

Shy, cautious Claire has always been in her confident older sister’s shadow. While Miranda’s life is jam-packed with exciting people and whirlwind adventures, Claire gets her thrills vicariously by watching people live large on reality television.

When Miranda discovers her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her just after her college graduation, it’s Claire who comes up with the perfect plan. They’ll outshine Miranda’s fame-obsessed ex while having an amazing summer by competing on Around the World, a race around the globe for a million bucks. Revenge + sisterly bonding = awesome.

But the show has a twist, and Claire is stunned to find herself in the middle of a reality-show romance that may be just for the cameras. This summer could end up being the highlight of her life . . . or an epic fail forever captured on film. In a world where drama is currency and manipulation is standard, how can you tell what’s for real?

No Place to Fall by Jaye Robin Brown

Amber Vaughn is a good girl. She sings solos at church, takes care of her baby nephew after school, and spends every Friday night hanging out at her best friend, Devon's, house.

But when Amber learns about an audition at a prestigious arts school, she decides that her dream—to sing on bigger stages—could also be her ticket to a new life. Devon's older brother, Will, helps Amber prepare for her one chance to try out. The more time Will and Amber spend together, the more complicated their relationship becomes . . . and Amber starts to wonder if she's such a good girl after all.

Then, in an afternoon, the bottom drops out of her family's world—and Amber is faced with an impossible choice between her promise as an artist and the people she loves. Amber always thought she knew what a good girl would do. But between "good" and "bad," there's a whole world of possibilities.

Now That You're Here, part 1 of the Duplexity series by Amy Nichols

In a parallel universe, the classic bad boy falls for the class science geek.
  One minute Danny was running from the cops, and the next, he jolted awake in an unfamiliar body—his own, but different. Somehow, he’s crossed into a parallel universe. Now his friends are his enemies, his parents are long dead, and studious Eevee is not the mysterious femme fatale he once kissed back home. Then again, this Eevee—a girl who’d rather land an internship at NASA than a date to the prom—may be his only hope of getting home.
  Eevee tells herself she’s only helping him in the name of quantum physics, but there’s something undeniably fascinating about this boy from another dimension . . . a boy who makes her question who she is, and who she might be in another place and time.
  And, coming soon, Duplexity, Part II: While You Were Gone flips this story on its head and tells the tale of the alternate Danny and the alternate Eevee, living in Danny’s parallel world.

 

Little White Lies by Katie Dale

 

Fans of Pretty Little Liars will be ensnared in this tale of deceit. Christian is hiding terrible secrets from his girlfriend, Lou. But Lou has told lies as well. What if their accidental meeting wasn’t an accident?
The first time Lou meets mysterious Christian, she knows he is The One. But Christian is hiding a terrible secret. Why does he clam up every time Lou asks about his past? Why doesn’t he have any family photos, and why does he dye his blond hair black? When Christian’s house goes up in flames, his tires are slashed, and he flees for his life, Lou insists on going with him. But as Christian’s secret is unveiled in front of the whole world, it seems everything he’s ever told Lou is a lie. Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in grave danger?

 

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas

 

Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe's Day

5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market

4) Crashing a cart into a customer's car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi

3) Trying to rock the "drowned rat" look after being caught in a snowstorm

2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)

1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees— of stealing upwards of $10,000

Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe's list of Top Ten Best Moments.