Hitting Shelves Today

If you have been paying attention to book releases recently, you may have noticed that the planets have once again aligned and given us a storm of highly-anticipated novels hitting shelves on one day. If you haven't been paying attention to book releases, then no worries, that is what I am here for. Below are three lovely books, all hitting shelves today.

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.

There you have it! What release are you looking forward to most this week?

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Release: March 13, 2012

Series: Gallagher Girls (book 5)

Source: Publisher

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Ally Carter’s wildly popular Gallagher Girls series continues with Out of Sight, Out of Time, exposing readers a new, darker side of Cammie and the Gallagher Academy.

Over the course of the past two books, Carter has introduced more and more reality to Cammie’s life. At the start of the series, she was a sophomore at the prestigious Gallagher Academy, a school for spies. And despite her above average IQ and unique skill set – covert operations – she was just a teenage girl. She worried about boys, loved her friends, and craved some shred of normalcy in her life. Then came the threat of The Circle – a threat that was not fabricated or monitored by her teachers but was quite actually real. Slowly but surely, readers watched as Cammie’s carefully constructed world crumbled.

Now, with Out of Sight, Out of Time, readers will finally have to face the truth: that nothing they know about Cammie, her life, or those closest to her is exactly what it seems.

The change in this latest installment in the beloved series is monumental. The greatest testament to this is Cammie. No longer is she the buoyant, blonde-haired underclassman readers knew. The Cammie in Out of Sight, Out of Time is an amnesic, black-haired senior who may or may not be going crazy. And, unlike in past novels, Cammie’s reliability as a narrator is called into question. Missing nearly four months of time, it is difficult to ascertain whether or not Cammie can truly be trusted. Like Cammie, readers will be fighting an internal battle: to trust Cammie or to doubt her.

Emotionally, this is by far the best of the Gallagher Girl books. For the first time, Cammie is vulnerable, a trait one would not normally associate with the aloof “Chameleon.” As she struggles to come to terms with all that has transpired and with the terrifying thought that her memories may never return, her emotions jump from sorrow to anger to fear. This emotional roller coaster, coupled with an unforeseen, heartbreaking twist, will leave readers shell shocked.

And, of course, it would not be an Ally Carter book without unexpected revelations and shocking curveballs. The plotting in Out of Sight, Out of Time is, as always, superb. Especially brilliant was Carter’s decision to draw from the first book in the series for new, game changing twists. This tied the whole series together and showed just how greatly the events of the past four semesters have rocked Cammie’s world.

With all of the intrigue of the past four books and the added darkness of Cammie’s forgotten summer, Out of Sight, Out of Time is sure to enthrall fans of the series and leave them hungering for the sixth, and final, novel.

5 stars!

Cover Judge

Covers are so important. They are the face of the book, and (no matter what people say) covers matter. Every week I feature the cover of an upcoming book and do a quick analysis of the cover. This week, I'm featuring the gorgeous, galactic cover of Diana Peterfreund's new Jane Austen-inspired novel! (It sounds awesome, no?)

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Release: June 12, 2012

Summary:

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him.

But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

Cover: The first time I saw this cover, I was stunned. There is nothing like a scene of the galaxy to dazzle a person. I especially like how the beautiful colors and glittering stars bleed into the long gown. It evokes a sci-fi feel, as well as an elegant, historical feel. The combination is perfect; after all, that is what the book is: a  hybrid of Jane Austen's Persuasion and an otherworldly society. It sounds every bit as wonderful as the cover, does it not? 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Release: January 2, 2012

Source: Purchased

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a one-sitting, smile-inducing read.

Told from the limited omniscient perspective, the presence of fate is palpable in this quirky love story. As Hadley and Oliver's relationship develops, it is hard to believe that pure chance could unite the two. Surely, some larger being had to orchestrate their meeting.

Readers expecting a light, fluffy read will be surprised to discover much more depth to the story. In addition to fate, another key component of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is family. Both Hadley and Oliver come from pasts ripe with familial dysfunction, and throughout the course of their day, they must face the problems (and the people) they have been running from.

Particularly poignant was the connection between Hadley and Oliver. Alone and on her way to a wedding she is dreading, Hadley meets Oliver by chance, when he kindly offers to help her with her bag. Over the course of the trans-Atlantic flight, the two exchange witty repertoire and secrets, forging a connection that pulls them together even after the plane touches down.

Equally lovely is the humor in the novel. Oliver and Hadley, both well versed in sarcasm, were an entertaining pair. Locked together on a plane for hours, the possibilities for witty banter and sarcastic comments were endless. On multiple occasions I found myself smirking, highly enjoying Oliver’s ability to parry words. Even outside of the dialogue, Smith was able to weave in humor, making the book all the more enjoyable.

The true beauty of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, however, is the human experience. Life and death, beginnings and endings, chance meetings and fateful reunions – this book is a celebration of life. As the novel speeds through the 24 hours following Hadley’s arrival at the airport, one must marvel at the wonder of this world and just how much can transpire in the course of a day.

Even after the final page is turned, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight will leave a smile on your face and hope in your heart. A true gem, this book is not to be missed.

5 stars

Top Ten Favorite Covers (Not Featuring Girls With Flowing Hair)

Every Tuesday, book bloggers all over the blogosphere take part in The Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday. As a list maker myself, I am particularly fond of this weekly feature. This week, the theme is Top Ten Favorite Covers. 

A few days ago, Lauren DeStefano, author of Wither and the newly-released Fever, posted a picture of a humorous display from a bookstore in Minneapolis. The display featured new YA books, accompanied by a sign that read, "Serious Girls with Flowing Hair." Needless to say, I started laughing. Half because it was funny and half because it was true. I have so many books with girls with flowing hair, and I never really noticed it. So this week, in honor of this display, I am going to be making a list of book covers without girls with flowing hair. 

1. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

No hair here, just pale legs and some gorgeous blue fabric. I have long been a fan of this cover, as well as that of its predecessor. And while The Dark Divine's cover is lovely, The Lost Saint is by far my favorite. I can directly attribute this favoritism to the blue. Even when I was little, blue was my favorite color. This shade is particularly pretty, especially with the stark contrast of the black background and pale, white legs.

2. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Again with the blue. And the werewolves. And the main characters named Grace. (Er, we'll ignore those other two for the time being.) There really is just something striking about blue and white, especially on a book cover. I have always found the cover for Shiver to be particularly striking with the mess of icy blue vines and heart-shaped leaves. 

3. Tempest by Julie Cross

Before you say anything, I know there is a girl on this cover and that technically her hair is flowing. To that, I offer a big but. The girl is not the central focus of the cover, and thus her flowy hair does not count. Plus, her hair has nothing to do with my liking the cover. No, my reasons for liking the cover have a lot more to do with the atmospheric clouds and dramatic, representative figures. It is just lovely.

4. Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

Have you seen a theme yet? Blue. I told you I had a thing for it. Coincidentally, I also have always had a thing for mermaids. So an atmospheric cover that featured both blue and a hint of mermaid is golden in my book. Throw in a few sultry, dangerous looks, and I'm sold.

5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

If you were a part of the blogosphere a few years ago when this cover was first released, you probably remember all of the buzz about it. People, me included, went ga-ga over the cover. The artistic, dramatic air of the cover was unparalleled at the time. Nowadays, there are moody storm clouds and dramatic figures everywhere. But a few years ago, that was not the case. This was an innovative, striking cover - one I still love to this day.

6. A Great and Terribly Beauty by Libba Bray

Ever since I picked up this book many years ago, I have loved the cover. It is simple, yet striking, with a gorgeous burgundy and red color palette. I especially love how the model is turned away mysteriously, showcasing the back of the corset.

7. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The colors on this cover are what really make this cover shine. With most of the cover sepia toned, the colors from the flowers and the model's eyes really pop. It is both beautiful and haunting - the perfect combination for the face of this book.

8. Sea by Heidi R. Kling

Oh, this cover. We have had quite a love affair. In addition to being the face of a wonderful book, it is also lovely. The blue of the water melt seamlessly into the Indonesian pattern. Equally beautiful is the silhouette of the couple, the green standing out in all of that blue.

9. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

It would have been easy for this cover to go down the ordinary paranormal path: a haunted female figure or flowing gown. Instead, it went for a more atmospheric, representative cover. The purple stands out starkly against the black, while the barely-there silver trees give the cover a haunting effect. It perfectly captures the Southern Gothic feel of the books with its dark beauty.

10. Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Talk about dress envy! I...there are no words. For a dress fiend like me, this cover is heavenly. All of that gorgeous pink fabric and ruching - it is just so elegant. Sigh.

Well, those are my top ten favorite non-flowy-haired girls covers. What are yours?

(Note: I have nothing against girls with flowing hair, as I am one myself. And you can't really hate yourself. Well, you can, but I personally do not have the money to spend on therapy. I need that money for books!)

Cover Judge

Cover Judge is a semi-weekly feature that spotlights the covers of upcoming YA novels. Ever since I was a young girl, I have been fascinated with covers. The cover is the first thing I notice when I spot a book at the bookstore. They are, after all, the face of a book. And no matter what anyone says, there is nothing wrong with judging a book by its cover, especially when it is as gorgeous as this week's featured cover.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Release: October 9, 2012

Summary:

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.

Fresh, exciting, and deeply romantic, TIME BETWEEN US is a stunning and spellbinding debut from an extraordinary new talent in YA fiction.

Cover: It is no secret that I am a fan of bokeh -- the out-of-focus, halo-like effect on light in an image. Whenever I see an image with those bright halos of light, I am reminded of a magical fairytale. There is just something so beautiful about it. Paired with the soft blue and white color scheme (one of my favorites), this cover is absolutely stunning. The cover designer has pulled elements from all of my favorite covers - the colors, the lighting, the ethreal white dress, the distant male figure, the beachy hair - and put it into one, lovely cover. Even if this book has not been on my wishlist before, I would have immediately added it once I saw the cover. Even better, it is about time travel. After reading Tempest by Julie Cross, I am craving another great time travel book with a hearty dose of romance. Time Between Us is a new favorite for sure! 

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Release: February 28, 2012

Others in the Series: Legacy (book #1)

Source: HarlequinTeen Panel

Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return...

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....

Wow.

Allegiance was a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs, plot twists, and character development. When I turned the last page, I was shocked to discover how much had transpired over the course of the novel.

Traditionally, the second book in a trilogy (or even a series) falls just short of the first book. The initial enjoyment of that first book is hard to rival. Allegiance, however, is an exception to this supposed rule. It was, in my opinion, far superior to Legacy. The characters, the story, and the setting were all far more vivid and lively. I easily found myself lost in Hytanica, Alera’s home and kingdom, often finding the story reminiscent of some of my favorite high fantasy novels like Goose Girl and Brightly Woven.

A reoccurring concern of mine was Kluver’s tendency to tell rather than show. Though she often devoted a great deal of time to describing a particular event, others seemed hurried, more summary than development. In some cases, such as the escalating war with Cokyri, this was rather frustrating. Such a momentous event, in my opinion, deserved far more time and attention. Yet, the majority of it was surmised in a few lengthy paragraphs. I would have happily traded some of the length of the post-war story for a more detailed account of the actual war.

Though I found myself far less enthused near the end, either due to exhaustion from staying up late reading the night before or from the length of the novel, I still greatly enjoyed Allegiance. The final pages made up for the tiring trudge that led up them and already have me looking forward to the next (and final) novel, Sacrifice.

4 stars