Cover Reveal: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

I always get really excited when I see a beautiful cover, especially when the book isn't published yet. It makes the waiting a little bit better! 

School Spirits

Title: School Spirits

Author: Rachel Hawkins
Expected publication: May 14th, 2013 (Disney-Hyperion)

Series: Hex Hall Spin-Off #1

When I saw this cover for the first time I went like: Awesome! Want NOW! And the synopsis makes it even more amazing! I loved Hex Hall and I can't wait to read this one! I love the two sides of this cover, and the flames make it even better! 

What do you think about this cover?

Review Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi

Published: January 3rd, 2012 (HarperCollins)

Pages: 268

Source: bought
Series: Under the Never Sky #1

Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

This was the first ebook I've ever read. I was a bit skeptical at first. I was afraid it wouldn't feel as holding an actual book. I had to get used to it, but I couldn't have started with a better book! This is a couple of months back, even before I started blogging. So that's why I never wrote a review. When I was picking the books for my 200 followers giveaway I noticed that and thought it was time to change that!

For some books it's really hard to write a review after such a long time, but this book stayed with me! It's so amazing! 
Especially the world setting. It's a beautiful combination of the past and the future. Aria, who lives in the virtual realms has always been afraid of the outsiders, or she's said to be afraid  So when she's put into the wild for a crime she didn't commit she's terrified and certain her death will come soon. That's where we meet Perry. He's an outsider and he can't stand Aria. But for her to be able to survive he has to help her and he feels obliged to. 

At first Aria is naive and she believes anything, especially the things her 'people' told her, but throughout the story she grows to stand on her own feet and to think for herself. I liked Aria at the beginning of the story and I understood where her naivety came from, but I loved her at the end. She really becomes a kick ass kinda girl and I can't wait how she'll turn out in the second installment. 

The story is told from two perspectives, alternating chapters, Perry's and Aria's. I'm not always a fan of multiple perspectives, but here they worked. Through Aria you learned more about her world and through Perry about his. And you get to know two sides of both: as they see themselves and how the other sees them. This was fascinating. 

There were so many amazing things about this book, it's almost impossible to write them all down. I was most intrigued by the gifts of the outsiders. Some people were 'marked' and they were gifted with enhanced senses. Perry is a Seer and a Scire, so he can see really well and smell emotions and tempers. It made the relationship between him and Aria different than others. The part where Aria realizes Perry can smell her emotions is so funny!
Definitely a book I would recommend and I can't wait to read Through the Ever Night!

Cover Reveal: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

I always get really excited when I see a beautiful cover, especially when the book isn't published yet. It makes the waiting a little bit better! 

Dare You To

Title: Dare You To

Author: Katie McGarry

Expected publication: May 28th, 2013 (HarlequinTeen)

Series: Pushing the Limits #2

Pushing the Limits was one of the first contemporaries I really enjoyed reading and made me a huge fan of the genre. It's even one of my favorite reads this year! So of course I'll read Dare You To! I may or may not have screamed a bit when I saw the cover was revealed. Not because I like it that much (I do, but I like the one of Pushing the Limits better), but mostly because it's one step closer to publication day!

What do you think about this cover?

Tahereh Mafi in The Netherlands

Hi!

I had the most amazing week and the most awesome part was meeting Tahereh Mafi! Yes, you heard right: I'VE MET TAHEREH MAFI AND SHE'S AMAZING! Most of you guys have a whole list with awesome authors you've met. But unfortunately living in The Netherlands means rarely meeting your favorite authors. Luckily, the most awesome publishing house in The Netherlands, BLOSSOM BOOKS, made it happen that Tahereh Mafi came to the Netherlands and arranged two Meet & Greets. I was part of the first one in Voorburg in the Children's Bookstore In de Wolken (translated: In The Clouds). A really cosy bookshop and it was the perfect setting for this M&G. 

Tahereh Mafi and Me!

If you've met Tahereh Mafi you know that she's an extraordinary person! She's so sweet, funny and smart! If you ask her a question (any question) she will talk for at least ten minutes straight! She has so much to say, and she's so interesting! And it's so cool to hear an author talk about their books! It's like Shatter Me has a whole new dimension now! Myrthe, the editor of Blossom Books, is the one who arranged for Tahereh to come here! She made the Meet & Greet even more perfect with all the "Vrees Me" cupcakes, cakepops and macarons, yum!

Photo from Blossombooks.nl

You would think the awesomeness would stop here, but no! You will probably know Destroy Me (or "Verwoest Me"), and that it's published as an enovella. Well, we Dutchies can be cool sometimes, because here it's published in hardcover! Just like Shatter Me (or "Vrees Me" in Dutch) and they look so pretty together! I got Shatter Me as a present after finishing my internship at Blossom Books (which is an imprint of Kluitman) and all my colleagues wrote something in it. And now I have Destroy Me, which is signed by Tahereh!

So a huge thank you to Tahereh for coming here and letting us meet her and answer all our questions. You're truly amazing!

And also a HUGE thank you to Myrthe, for arranging for Tahereh Mafi to come here and have this Meet & Greet with us, and of course for the delicious food! You rock!

Dystopia Reading Challenge 2013

Ula from Blog of Erised is hosting the Dystopia Reading Challenge 2013. I'm looking for some awesome reading challenges for next year and this sounds really cool! I love dystopian novels/series! 
There are different levels and I'll definitely be going for level 4: Leader! The ultimate goal is 24 books!

Levels

Level 1: Recruit (1 to 6 books)

Level 2: Rebel (7 to 12 books)

Level 3: Revolutionist (13 to 18 books)

Level 4: Leader (19+ books)

Each time you reach a new level, you will receive a badge.

Click here to check out the rules and sign up for this challenge. I can't wait until January to get started on this! It's time to start picking the books. I'll keep you posted!

2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge

After reading Pushing the Limits this year I want to read more Contemporary! The Book Vixen is hosting the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge!

The goal is to read 10 contemporary romance novels in 2013! If you want to join too, you can do so here.

For this challenge I already have some books I want to read:

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Only three more books to choose! So far the publishing list of 2013 looks amazing, so that won't be a problem!

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge

The 2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge is hosted by Megan Likes Books and Auntie Spinelli Reads. I love taking part in the Fall Into Reading 2012 reading challenge, so I'm looking for some awesome reading challenges for next year. I'm a big fan of paranormal books, so of course I want to take part in this challenge! For all of the details and to sign up, just click on the button above!

The goal is to read one book featuring each of the following paranormal creatures. Each month one of the creatures will be featured:

• January: Vampires
• February: Angels/Nephilim
• March: Fey
• April: Demons
• May: Aliens
• June: Zombies
• July: Witches and Wizards
• August: Mermaids
• September: Dragons
• October: Ghosts
• November: Werewolves/Shifters
• December: Other (ie: sirens, unicorns, centaurs, timetravel etc.)

I haven't decided yet what books I'll read for this challenge. I have December to think about what Vampire book I'll read! If you have a recommendation please leave them in the comments! 

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week I'm waiting on 

Vortex by Julie Cross

Title: Vortex

Author: Julie Cross

Series: Tempest #2

Will be published on: January 15th, 2013 (St. Martin's Griffin)

Synopsis from Goodreads: Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, after an accidental run in with Holly—the girl he altered history to save—Jackson is once again reminded of what he's lost. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents not only find themselves under attack, but Jackson begins to discover that the world around him has changed and someone knows about his erased relationship with Holly, putting both their lives at risk all over again.

I love books about time traveling and Tempest belongs definitely in my Top Three in this topic! So if the amazingness of Tempest wasn't enough to have me waiting on this book, the major cliffhanger would be! 

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday has another topic and different bloggers give their top ten. I love making lists, so here's mine for this week!

This week topic is 

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

My wish list for 2013 is already pretty long, so it wasn't easy making this Top Ten! I can't believe 2012 is almost over already. And it brought some amazing books! But I can't wait to read all the awesome books 2013 will bring!

1. Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

One of my favorite series at the moment! So of course I can't wait for the third book to get published!

2. Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan

I fell in love with the cover the first time I saw it. And the synopsis sounds amazing!

3. Vortex by Julie Cross

After reading Tempest I really want to know how it will continue!

4. The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Amazing cover and a very original synopsis. I want this now!

5. Let the Sky Fall by Sharron Messenger

I'm just going to put out there: I'm a sucker for pretty covers! How can you not love this one?

6. Override by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch was one of my favorite books of 2012 and that ending was so good! I can't wait to read this one!

7. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

I love fairy tale retellings! Cinder was awesome, and Little Red Riding Hood has always been one of my favorites!

8. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Want Want Want!

9. Mystic by Alyson Noël

Amazing cover, and I want to know how it ends!

10. Taken by Eric Bowman

Mysterious cover I can't possibly resist! Sounds like my kinda story!

What's your Top Ten?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (13)

Welcome to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey. This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well. You never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Finished last week: 

Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum
Control by Lydia Kang (No cover yet)
Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Anderson
Ik ben Maan by Maan Leo

Currently reading:

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Next read:

Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Don't forget to enter my 200 followers giveaway!

Have a happy reading week!

Review Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Destroy Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi

Published: October 2nd, 2012 (HarperCollins)

Pages: 111

Source: for review
Series: Shatter Me #1.5

Rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

*I've tried to keep this review spoiler free for those who haven't read Shatter Me yet. There might me slight spoilers, so if you haven't read Shatter Me yet and you don't want any spoilers at all you might want to skip this review*

Destroy Me begins where we last saw Warner in Shatter Me. He got shot and his team is at a loss. He's brought home to be nursed back to health. He's convinced he can fix his mistakes, but his father isn't so sure and comes over to watch Warner and to show him how it's really done. And yes, he really is a horrible man. He's so mean and he treats Warner as a little child. So we get to see a whole other side of Warner. 

Tahereh Mafi really has an amazing writing style. She knows her characters. Destroy Me couldn't have been more different from Shatter Me! And that's how you get to know Warner! Not through the things he says, or the things said to him, but through the writing style! I was jumping up and down with excitement while reading this book. It's amazing!

The most special thing about this book is that we get to see Juliette through Warner's eyes. If you have been wondering what she wrote down in her notebook (I have!) you get a peek through Warner when he finds her notebook and reads it. In Shatter Me he claims he needs and loves her, in Destroy Me I almost began to believe him. I just couldn't let go of all the horrible things he's done. 

I first read Unravel Me before reading this book and I don't recommend that order! It's definitely a book you want to read before the second installment in the series, because it makes Unravel Me so much more intense. 

Stacking the Shelves (21)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Bloggers share what new books (physical or virtual) they got this week. I like getting new books and showing them. So here's my haul for this week! 

Won

Title: Audrey, Wait!
Author: Robin Benway

Published: April 10th, 2008 (Razorbill)

Pages: 320

Bought

Title: Legend 
Author: Marie Lu

Published: November 29th, 2011 (Puffin)

Pages: 295
Series: Legend #1

What new books did you get this week?

Fall Into Reading Challenge Update 2

On Septembe 22nd I started my first reading challenge: Fall Into Reading 2012 hosted by Callapidder Days! I love this challenge, but next time I'm setting different goals, because the one I have now isn't that effective for me. I just keep reading other books that weren't on the original list. I already updated my list once and it will change a couple more times I think. Looking at my TBR pile I woulnd't say it's any lower at the moment. 

The updated list (you can find my original list here):

When I started this challenge I was really enthusiastic! And I still am, but also a bit more realistic. Reading 36 books in three months is possible, but really hard. I've read 18 books so far. Which is pretty good for me, considering I had a major reading slump. But that means I still have 18 to go in less than a month and since I also found a job again I'm not going to make that. So I decided to make a to-read list for the upcoming month of 10 books. 

1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl [currently reading]
2. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
3. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
4. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
5. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer 
6. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
7. Abandon by Meg Cabot
8. Easy by Tammara Webber
9. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
10. Defiance by C.J. Redwine
11. Immortal City by Scott Speer [September 25th]
12. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi [October 1st]
13. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel [October 9th]
14. BZRK by Michael Grant [October 15th]
15. Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder [October 19th]
16. The Violet Fox by Clare C. Marshall [October 20th]
17. Broken by A.E. Rought [October 21st]
18. Tempest by Julie Cross [October 26th]
19. Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson [October 27th]
20. Cinder by Marissa Meyer [October 28th]
21. De Socialite en de City by Tinsley Mortimer [October 30th]
22. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini [November 2nd]
23. Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi [November 5th]
24. Undeadly by Michele Vail [November 8th]
25. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins [November 10th]
26. Dualed by Elsie Chapman [November 14th]
27. Die For Me by Amy Plum [November 19th]
28. Losing Lila by Sarah Anderson [November 22th]

For those who missed it:

Essentially, Fall Into Reading 2012 is a fun, low-pressure reading challenge. It's still possible to join! In the sidebar you'll find the link by clicking on the image under "reading challenges". 
One month to go in this reading challenge!

Review Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Published: March 2nd, 2010 (Hyperion)

Pages: 323

Source: bought
Series: Hex Hall #1

Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. 
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, "especially" her.

I had Hex Hall on my wish list for such a long time! I love books about witches and this sounded like something I would really enjoy. And I totally did! If your a witch book lover like me you'll love Hex Hall. 

Rachel Hawkins has an awesome writing style. At the beginning of the story you meet Sophie. She's a witch for three years now and she tries to stay in this school instead of transferring for the umptieth time. But during prom a sweet girl is sad because she doesn't have a date and Sophie tries to fix it for her. Only her spell backfires and she's transferred again. This time to Hecate Hall. A school for troubled witches, fairies, shapeshifters, werewolves and even a vampire. 

I loved Sophie! She such an amazing kick ass girl! But not in the "look at me I have amazing powers" kinda way. The very first thing she does when she arrives at Hecate Hall is being attacked by a werewolves and instead of defending herself with her powers she calls him "bad dog". This book made me laugh out loud more than once! And Rachel Hawkins introduced me to my new book crush!

Meet Archer Cross. Handsome, warlock and taken by the most popular girl in the school. Sophie doesn't only manage to like him, but to also piss off the three most popular girls in the school. Which gets her into detention with, yes, Archer Cross. I would want him as a book boyfriend! Even thought he's not as good as he seems. 

The story doesn't only contain a hot guy and cool jokes, it's also quite serious. Jenna, vampire and Sophie's roommate, lost her old roommate a couple of months ago. She was found murdered, drained from all her blood. Everyone suspects Jenna, but she keeps saying she didn't do it. And again people are being attacked. Sophie tries to prove Jenna is innocent, but no one wants to believe her. 
I didn't saw the ending coming of Hex Hall! Sophie learns a lot about herself and how she became such a powerful witch. I want to read Demonglass! 

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week I'm waiting on 

Override by Heather Anastasiu

Title: Override

Author: Heather Anastatiu
Series: Glitch #2

Will be published on: February 12th, 2013 (St. Martin's Griffin)

Synopsis from Goodreads: Zoe never wanted to be a leader. She just wanted to be free. After escaping the Community and getting her friends away from Chancellor Bright’s control, she thinks everything will get better. She and Adrien can finally be together. She’s safe at the Foundation and is training with a team of other glichers to become a freedom fighter in the Resistance. 

But while Zoe is free, she’s far from safe. Adrien is tortured by visions of the future that he refuses to share with her. And there’s something’s wrong with Zoe’s telekinesis. The control she gained when she escaped the Community seems completely gone, and her power is expanding in unexpected and terrifying ways. Everyone is counting on her to be the key to defeating the Chancellor, but Zoe is terrified she’s too weak to save anyone.

As the Chancellor begins enacting her plan to move up the ranks of the government and gain an ever-widening noose of control, the future of Resistance grows more and more precarious every day. Others around Zoe are becoming desperate in their attempts to survive, until finally distrust and betrayal leads to the terrible discovery that their greatest threat could already be lurking behind the safe walls of the Foundation itself. In the end, Zoe will have to make a choice: will she stand up as the leader Adrien foretold her to be, or will she fail everyone in the moment they need her most?

Glitch is one of my favorite books I've read in 2012. I have to make my top ten, but I have a suspicion it's going to be on it! So, of course, I can't wait to read Override! The ending of Glitch was a total cliffhanger and I want to know how it continues!

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Books/Authors I'm Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday has another topic and different bloggers give their top ten. I love making lists, so here's mine for this week!

This week topic is 

Top Ten Books/Authors I'm Thankful For

I'm thankful for a lot of books and authors. They're a very important part of my life. It was really hard, but I managed to make a Top Ten! 

1. Twilight

Definitely number one on this list! After years of non-reading this book got me hooked again!

2. J.K. Rowling

For writing one of the most amazing series in the world!

3. J.R.R. Tolkien

Of course I have to be thankful of an author who wrote such amazing and detailed stories. 

4. His Dark Materials

I read this book a couple years ago and the story has so many layers. One of the most beautiful books I've read in my entire life.

5. Mary Hoffman

Most of the books I've read by her are set in the most awesome country in the world: Italy. 

6. Pushing the Limits

For making me love contemporary YA!

7. Bunheads

A book about my two passions: reading and dancing. 

8. Nicholas Sparks

For writing the most amazing love stories. 

9. The Curse Girl by Kate Avery Ellison

An awesome retelling of Beauty and the Beast and she's one of the most amazing indie authors I know. 

10. Elementals by Brigid Kemmerer

My favorite series at this moment!

What's your Top Ten?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading (12)

Welcome to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey. This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well. You never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Last week was hectic! I got a job! After a very long time without a real job (an internship doesn't earn that much money), I'm finally able to buy all the books in the world again! I've been pretty busy last week, so I only managed to finish one book, but I have to see Die For Me is amazing so far!

Finished last week: 

Dualed (Dualed #1) by Elsie Chapman

Currently reading:

Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum

Next read:

Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Anderson

Don't forget to enter my 200 followers giveaway!

Have a happy reading week!