{Mini Reviews} THEIR FRACTURED LIGHT and CARRY ON

Title: Their Fractured Light
Author(s): Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Narrator(s): Kim Mai Guest, MacLeod Andrews
Series: Starbound, book #3
Length: 15 hrs 6 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Source: purchased hardcover for shelf and audiobook for immediate immersion =)
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

I'm always nervous about companion novels as a series because more often than not, I only end up really enjoying the first set of characters' narrative. As such, I didn't think I'd want to read about anyone other than Lilac and Tarver after I finished with These Broken Stars. But dare I say it? I actually liked each couple in this trilogy equally. I mean, I also loved the glimpses of the previous couples as the saga progressed, but each set of characters stood well on their own.

I'll be honest. I'm not ready for this series to be over. I've loved every minute spent with these characters, fighting the good fight against LaRoux Industries and trying to figure out just exactly what those Whispers are. And in this conclusion, it all comes full circle and I despise Monsieur LaRoux that much more.

The thing about a series like this is that even though each book is a companion, they're continuing the same overall story arc. It was definitely worth it to see some of my theories corroborated -- even if my world was nearly shattered along the way -- and to see Lilac and Tarver and the gang get the answers they'd been seeking. And that's due largely in part to the work of this book's couple, Sofia and Gideon. I love how all of the characters are connected, how their role in all of this was cemented before it had even begun.

This was such a perfect conclusion to yet another of my favorite series! I used to be hesitant about collaborations, but this author duo definitively proved that I have nothing to worry about. From start to finish, this series was just amazing.

About the Authors:

Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner are longtime friends and sometime flatmates who have traveled the world (but not yet the galaxy), covering every continent between them. They are sure outer space is only a matter of time. Meagan, who is also the author of the Skylark trilogy, currently lives in Asheville, NC, while Amie lives in Melbourne, Australia. Although they currently live apart, they are united by their love of space opera, road trips, and second breakfasts.

Visit the These Broken Stars website for the latest news on the series and follow the authors on Twitter at @AmieKaufman and @MeaganSpooner. You may also sign up for their newsletter as well! This Shattered World will be available in North America in December 2014.

Title: Carry On
Author(s): Rainbow Rowell
Narrator(s): Eoan Morton
Series: stand-alone
Length: 13 hrs 42 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Source: purchased hardcover for shelf, borrowed audiobook from library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

I really loved all of the Simon Snow snippets in Fangirl, and I knew that I'd have to read the full-length novelization of the story based on those snippets. And yet, I was worried that it wouldn't be nearly as compelling a story on its own, without Cath's narrative to make it come alive. And so even though I pre-ordered this book AND the party kit, I put off reading it. I waited and waited...and waited some more, until just recently my library uploaded the audiobook. And I knew I couldn't put it off anymore.

I was still hesitant, but I started listening last Friday, and my heart kind of melted all over again for Simon and Baz. The narrator is different from the one used to narrate the Simon Snow parts in Fangirl but it's for the better. Euan Morton's voice is PERFECT for this story. He sounds like a troubled Chosen One, a broody vampire, and a know-it-all best friend. In other words, he encompassed everything I loved about this story with his performance.

I was under the impression that some of the scenes from Fangirl would appear in this novel, so I'd already have some idea of what was happening, but I'm glad that even though I did know where the story was headed, none of this novel was a regurgitation of the previous book. It's all new and lovely and exciting. And it's my own fault for assuming that it would be the same.

If you liked the Simon Snow bits from Fangirl, you'll probably love this novel as much as I did. It very much reads like the end of Harry Potter, with explosive truths and new romances and grief and loss and hope for the future. And much like after finishing that series, I want more of this world...I want to see where the mages - and normals alike - go from here.

About the author:

Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.

When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.

She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.

Find Rainbow:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

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Labels: amie kaufman, audiobooks, beautiful covers, carry on, collaboration, disney hyperion, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, macmillan, meagan spooner, mini reviews, rainbow rowell, reviews, sci-fi, starbound

Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: n/a
Publisher: Dutton
Publication Date: April 14th, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

I dare say, this may be my favorite Rainbow Rowell books thus far. I read Fan Girl a couple years ago, and I liked it, but the Carry On story within the story didn't do much for me. So I didn't love it, and clearly I will not be buying Carry On that just came out a bit ago. Then I bought Landline, the audio version. I really liked that too, but the whole paranormal magic phone crap annoyed me. The story and the message was great, but the other garbage killed it for me.

Attachments had no weird shit!!! It was a normal contemporary novel and I loved it. Lincoln is so lovable. I mean, I just adored him. Every little nerdy bit. I love nerdy guys, its true. While my husband isn't quite as nerdy as Lincoln, I could see some similar qualities in him, which helped me fall for his character even more.

Lincoln works for a news paper company. He's the go to internet security guy. So he gets to read everyone's flagged email. My favorite part of this book were the emails between Beth and Jennifer. Omg, they are laugh out loud funny at times. I can just imagine poor Lincolns face reading them. They were also serious too, there were a few that nearly choked me up. But I suppose that's how Lincoln felt too. He continues to read these emails. Even though he probably shouldn't, but he's grown attached to these women's lives. Especially Beth.

That's where this story becomes even cuter. Because he basically falls for this girl without ever seeing her. But it's not all mushy sweetness either. It's complicated, because how do you ask a girl out whom you've been reading her private emails for months. That's just fucking weird and stalkerish.

Oh but it all comes together and it's wonderful. Big fan of this one. It left my heart all warm and snuggly. <3

About the author:



Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.

When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.

She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.

Find Rainbow Rowell:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Labels: adult contemporary, attachments, Dutton, rainbow rowell, reviews

Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: n/a
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: September 10th, 2013
Source: Borrowed from Jen
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Ahhhh I loved Fangirl!!! Thank you so much Jen for sending me your copy so I could experience the awesomeness at last. Now it’s time to gush, so let’s do this!

Real quick though, I’ll mention the one thing I didn’t like. The fan fiction parts. I couldn’t get into them. I think that was mostly just because I wanted to get back to the story at hand, but I found myself skimming those parts.

Other than that, Fangirl was perfect for me. I loved the whole college experience through Cath's eyes. It came across as very realistic. I always wanted to go to college, and I finally got to from the comfort of my couch. Cath had a twin sister. This was a huge plus because I have this thing with reading about twins. I’m obsessed with Twins. I blame Sweet Valley Twins from my younger years.

Cath is not the most social person you could say, and adjusting to college life left for some awkward moments. Laugh out loud at times. On top of all that, her sister is trying to become independent from her. She feels alone and scared.

I loved her roommate, and Levi, Oh Levi. He’s just so great. We need more nice guys in books! Those are the ones that really steal my heart, and Levi has mine.

I know this is is a short review, but it's heard to review greatness. Fangirl is such a good coming of age story, and I will insist my daughter read it one day. INSIST!!!

About the author:



Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.

When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.

She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.

Find Rainbow Rowell:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Labels: college life, fangirl, rainbow rowell, reviews, st. martin's press

{New Adult} Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title:  Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: n/a
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: September 10, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

I think Lauren said everything I wanted to say in her letter to the author, but I'm going to reiterate why I think this book was so awesomely adorable and why you should totally read it.

Fangirl is a novel with heart.  It's so clever and humorous and brilliantly written.  This book is easy to relate to, even if you weren't the shy, nerdy fangirl that Cath was.  Going off to college is a daunting experience, and I think Rainbow Rowell captured the nuances of that experience marvelously:  the separation anxiety, the homesickness, the trials of living with a complete stranger.

“It’s just … everything. There are too many people. And I don’t fit in. I don’t know how to be. Nothing that I’m good at is the sort of thing that matters there. Being smart doesn’t matter—and being good with words. And when those things do matter, it’s only because people want something from me. Not because they want me.”

And the portrait she painted of Cath!  That girl had some serious issues to work through, but being a fellow introvert, I could really relate and empathize with this character.  Her mother abandoned her family when she was just a young girl, and now her twin sister is essentially doing the same, just when Cath needs her most. It's almost too much for Cath to bear, but she soldiers on, makes friends with her roommate, develops a crush or two, AND she manages to come out of her shell a bit...after some hiccups and bumps along the road.

“No,' Cath said, 'seriously. Look at you. You’ve got your shit together, you’re not scared of anything. I’m scared of everything. And I’m crazy. Like maybe you think I’m a little crazy, but I only ever let people see the tip of my crazy iceberg. Underneath this veneer of slightly crazy and socially inept, I’m a complete disaster.”

I loved the importance of family in this novel.  Just because you move away from home to start your own life, doesn't mean your family is less important or that they're not still there when you need them.  So many young and new adult novels completely gloss over this aspect, but for someone whose family has always meant the world to them, I really appreciated the inclusion of family drama in this story.  And I appreciated the fact that the issues didn't simply resolve themselves, that the author took the time to delve into these matters and portray them realistically.

The romance in this book is sooooo freaking cute and sweet and adorable.  It almost makes your teeth hurt! I loved the guy when he was initially just a friend, but I loved him even more as their relationship became something more.  I loved their adorable flirting and how patient he is with her, knowing this is all so new to Cath.  I just love him!  And that he loves her fan fiction....gawd, there's nothing sexier to me than a guy who takes an interest in your interests.

“You look so blindingly cute right now, I feel like I need to make a pinhole in a piece of paper just to look at you.”

What I liked best about this novel, though, was that even though Cath grew as a person, grew into herself, she didn't become someone else entirely.  At the end of the book, she is still just Cath, nerdy fangirl extraordinaire.  I loved these characters, I loved their relationships...I just loved this story!  I've never read or ever considered writing my own fan faction, but after some of the questions left lingering at the end of this book -- Do they make it work?  Does she kill off Baz? -- I might just have to.  =)

About the author:

Rainbow Rowell is the author of ATTACHMENTS. She has two novels coming out in 2013 -- ELEANOR & PARK in February and FANGIRL in the fall.

Rainbow lives with her husband and two sons in Omaha, Nebraska. Right at this moment, she is probably arguing with someone about something that doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things -- or trying to figure out how Sherlock faked his death.

Find Rainbow:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

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Labels: all the feels, all the swoons, book trailers, contemporary, fangirl, favorites, funfunfun, macmillan, must-read, new adult, post hs ya, rainbow rowell

{Audiobook} {Mendy} Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Narrator:  Rebecca Lowman & Sunil Malhotra
Series: n/a
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

I'm sorry to have to be so down about this book, but truthfully, it DID make me feel down.  I'm one of those people that likes to read books that are uplifting or take me away to some place more enchanting and inviting.  E & P was just downright depressing at times.  My goodness.  Don't read it if you've already gone through/are going through your own messed up life.  You'll just fall victim to even more self hatred and loathing.

I just couldn't connect to any of these characters.  ESPECIALLY the emo stuff.  I was never one of those kids.  Why purposely make yourself standout with abnormal clothing choices and lots of black eyeliner when your family's issues already separate you from everyone?  It can't be comforting.  But misery loves company, I suppose.

Eleanor is known for being "different," but yet she gets with this guy who's slightly popular.  She's literally the new girl on the bus whom no one wants to socialize with, and she gets the "cool" guy?  Yeah, no.  That doesn't happen in real life.

E & P just meanders around from one sad thing to another, and I could hardly stand it.  Although Sunil Malhotra's impersonation of Park's Asian mom's voice was entertaining.  When he read Eleanor's lines, though, ugggggghhhh.  Stop with the soft-spoken thing.  She's Eleanor.  Red, curly-haired, self-proclaimed "fat", doesn't-care-about-fitting-in Eleanor.  I hardly think that's what she'd sound like.  So it was pretty hard to listen to him reading her parts.

I highly recommend this book if you're into reading depressing things that ruin your day and put you in a bad mood.  Might even make you feel better about your life.  As for me, give me a sweet love story now! Or something funny to read, stat!  Gah.  I'm getting a tiny bit depressed just thinking about this book.

Rating:  

About the author:

Rainbow Rowell is the author of ATTACHMENTS. She has two novels coming out in 2013 -- ELEANOR & PARK in February and FANGIRL in the fall.

Rainbow lives with her husband and two sons in Omaha, Nebraska. Right at this moment, she is probably arguing with someone about something that doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things -- or trying to figure out how Sherlock faked his death.

Find Rainbow:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

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Labels: audiobooks, contemporary, eleanor and park, macmillan, mendy, rainbow rowell, reviews, the 80s

Teaser Tuesday #59: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson & Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• 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 that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here are the books we're teasing this week:

Title: The Bitter Kingdom
Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns, book #3
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The epic and deeply satisfying conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.

Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy.

Hector roars, flying through the dark at my attacker.  Together, they crash to the ground, and Hector pounds him with fists, over and over again.

-- Loc 1599, 30% of galley

He has not stopped grinning like a little boy about to open his Deliverance Day gifts. He leans closer until our lips are a finger's breadth apart. He brushes a strand of hair from my neck, and I shiver. "If we were alone right now," he says, "I would..."
     "I would let you."

-- Loc 1912, 36% of galley

So, I wasn't supposed to read this yet.  But I couldn't help myself once I read The Shattered Mountain for next week's Short Story Sunday post.  I knew better than to even enter this world because I wouldn't be able to control the urge to read this book next.  Oh, well.  What's done is done, right?  And it's not like I'm not enjoying myself.  Though, I'm still not ready for this series to end.  :0(

Also, I couldn't help myself with the teasers...I needed to showcase both sides of Hector:  Elisa's fierce protector and her even fiercer lover.  *swoons*

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Narrator:  Rebecca Lowman & Sunil Malhotra
Series: n/a
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

     "Nothing before you counts," he said. "And I can't even imagine an after."
     She shook her head. "Don't."
     "What?"
     "Don't talk about after."
     "I just meant that... I want to be the last person who ever kisses you, too.... That sounds bad, like a death threat or something. What I'm trying to say is, you're it. This is it for me."

This is cute, but I don't remember being like this in high school...lol.


What are you teasing this week?  Share it in the comments or leave a link so we can visit!

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Labels: audiobooks, contemporary, eleanor and park, favorites, fire and thorns, harper-collins, high fantasy, macmillan, must-read, rae carson, rainbow rowell, reviews, teaser tuesday, the 80s

Waiting on Wednesday: Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan & Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

Title: Untold
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Series: The Lynburn Legacy, book #2
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Free from bonds, but not each other.

It’s time to choose sides… On the surface, Sorry-in-the-Vale is a sleepy English town. But Kami Glass knows the truth. Sorry-in-the-Vale is full of magic. In the old days, the Lynburn family ruled with fear, terrifying the people into submission in order to kill for blood and power. Now the Lynburns are back, and Rob Lynburn is gathering sorcerers so that the town can return to the old ways.

But Rob and his followers aren’t the only sorcerers in town. A decision must be made: pay the blood sacrifice, or fight. For Kami, this means more than just choosing between good and evil. With her link to Jared Lynburn severed, she’s now free to love anyone she chooses. But who should that be?’

Why Jen's waiting:  I think Unspoken was probably my favorite book last year.  There were lots I loved, but that one, it was made of pure awesome.  And after that ending, GAAAHH!  I need this sequel now.

But, can I have it with a cover to match the first book?  Pretty please?  This one's okay, but I really liked how different and unique the cover for Unspoken was and was hoping for more of the same with the rest of the series, especially since the "covers" for the prequel stories even match.  :(

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: n/a
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: September 10, 2013

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

Or will she just go on living inside somebody else’s fiction?

Why Mendy's waiting:  Yay, a sister story!  Sort of.  :)  This sounds fun, and Jen liked Eleanor & Park, so I think I'd like to give this author a try myself.


What are you waiting on this week?  Feel free to share it in the comments or leave a link so we can stop by!

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Labels: contemporary, fangirl, favorites, gothic mystery, magic, rainbow rowell, random house, sarah rees brennan, st. martin's press, the lynburn legacy, waiting on wednesday (wow)