VASSA IN THE NIGHT: Gorgeous Cover, Weird Book, Ideal Halloween Read

Title: Vassa in the Night
Author: Sarah Porter
Narrator(s): Madeleine Maby
Series: stand-alone
Length: 10 hrs 47 mins
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher, purchased audiobook
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

In the enchanted kingdom of Brooklyn, the fashionable people put on cute shoes, go to parties in warehouses, drink on rooftops at sunset, and tell themselves they’ve arrived. A whole lot of Brooklyn is like that now—but not Vassa’s working-class neighborhood.

In Vassa’s neighborhood, where she lives with her stepmother and bickering stepsisters, one might stumble onto magic, but stumbling out again could become an issue. Babs Yagg, the owner of the local convenience store, has a policy of beheading shoplifters—and sometimes innocent shoppers as well. So when Vassa’s stepsister sends her out for light bulbs in the middle of night, she knows it could easily become a suicide mission.

But Vassa has a bit of luck hidden in her pocket, a gift from her dead mother. Erg is a tough-talking wooden doll with sticky fingers, a bottomless stomach, and a ferocious cunning. With Erg’s help, Vassa just might be able to break the witch’s curse and free her Brooklyn neighborhood. But Babs won’t be playing fair…

What a lovely, weird little book. It was so different and unique and definitely something you have to be in the right mood or frame of mind for. But it was definitely MY kind of book. :D I'm all about the weird. It's also a retelling of sorts, but as I'm not very familiar with the original story, I can't attest to how closely this novel follows the tale of Vassilissa the Beautiful. But I can say that I'm very much in the mood for more Russian folklore now because of this book.

I love stories of fair maidens trying to outwit spiteful, underhanded tricksters. Enter sarcastic, unflinching Vassa as the fair maiden and old, seemingly harmless Babs as the trickster, and I was hooked. I really enjoyed reading to discover the connection between these two and where Erg, the faithful wooden sidekick fit in. Lest you be worried, a talking wooden doll is probably the least creepy thing about this book.

Honestly, I loved Vassa and Erg separately, but it was their banter and every encounter that made this story fun. This book could have simply been menacing and creepy, but those two together brought a hint of levity to the story that was sorely needed. Especially since there were other factors that made this novel just completely bizarre, including the fact that the store dances upon a pair of chicken legs, there are hands sans bodies that govern the store, and the security for the store (besides the severed hands, obvi) is a man-who-is-not-a-man-at-all riding a circuitous route around the store.

You discover all of these things very early on and they're not even the weirdest part of the story. Yep, it gets even weirder. For example, how all of these things are linked and why there's a witch's curse to begin with. There's little romance and a whole lot of dismemberment, so it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I kind of liked how nonchalant the book was about all of that.

And even though I had a copy from the publisher, I waited to listen to this story because there are just some stories you know are going to be better on audio, and this is one. Madeleine Maby gets every bit of Vassa's snark right and her voices for the other characters are kinda perfectly creepy. This was actually the ideal novel to read (or listen to) right before Halloween.

GIF it to me straight:

After this book, I really shouldn't have been surprised at how easy it was to find a dancing house GIF.

About the author:

I write stories that seem to me to be quite true enough for all practical purposes. Among them are VASSA IN THE NIGHT, THE LOST VOICES TRILOGY, and the forthcoming WHEN I CAST YOUR SHADOW and TENTACLE AND WING. Realism makes little sense to me and I experience more truth in the fantastic. I always have new novels underway, both Young Adult and Grownup/ Literary/ Speculative. When not writing my own weird stuff, I can often be found leading creative writing workshops with amazing young NYC public-school writers via Teachers & Writers Collaborative. Or I might be drawing, or gardening, or wandering wraithlike through the streets. I live in Brooklyn, land of mystery, with my awesome husband Todd and our two cats, Jub Jub and Delphine.

Find Sarah:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

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Labels: audiobooks, beautiful covers, favorites, magical realism, retellings, reviews, sarah porter, tor, vassa in the night

738 DAYS is Not Your Typical New Adult Novel

Title: 738 Days
Author: Stacey Kade
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: Forge Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Source: received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

At fifteen, Amanda Grace was abducted on her way home from school. 738 days later, she escaped. Her 20/20 interview is what everyone remembers—Amanda describing the room where she was kept, the torn poster of TV heartthrob Chase Henry on the wall. It reminded her of home and gave her the strength to keep fighting.

Now, years later, Amanda is struggling to live normally. Her friends have gone on to college, while she battles PTSD. She’s not getting any better, and she fears that if something doesn’t change soon she never will.

Six years ago, Chase Henry defied astronomical odds, won a coveted role on a new TV show, and was elevated to super-stardom. With it, came drugs, alcohol, arrests, and crazy spending sprees. Now he's sober and a Hollywood pariah, washed up at twenty-four.

To revamp his image, Chase’s publicist comes up with a plan: surprise Amanda Grace with the chance to meet her hero, followed by a visit to the set of Chase’s new movie. The meeting is a disaster, but out of mutual desperation, Amanda and Chase strike a deal. What starts as a simple arrangement, though, rapidly becomes more complicated when they realize they need each other in more ways than one. But when the past resurfaces in a new threat, will they stand together or fall apart?

I've never read any of Stacey Kade's books before, but I've definitely had some interest in reading them, to be sure. None more than 738 Days, though, which says a lot about the content. I usually shy away from new adult novels because they tend to get really cliche and trope-y. Damaged girl with tragic backstory. Hero with his own share of baggage. Coping issues. Miscommunication. Lies. Betrayal. The usual.

This story has all of that...and then some. Yet I found myself so invested in the lives of these characters who, for better or worse, have each been through harrowing ordeals that have left them completely changed people. But I suspect that stems from the fact that I didn't feel emotionally manipulated as I read. The characters felt genuine in their grief, in their heartbreak, and in their attempts to be the people they want to be.

The relationship that develops between Amanda and Chase evolves rather quickly and is nothing short of tumultuous, but it is beautiful nonetheless. And it's nearly impossible not to get caught up in their whirlwind romance. I don't want to say that they needed each other to complete the healing process, but they were definitely beneficial to each other and I like how that aspect played out without them becoming dependent upon one another.

738 Days was thoughtful and thought-provoking but also honest and completely brutal at times. More so with Amanda's story than Chase's because there are triggers that set her off and the flashbacks are not pretty. It was hard to read at times while also being nearly unputdownable.

And lovely and heart-breaking and just wow. I think I may have found my new favorite new adult novel. I am very interested in reading more NA from Stacey Kade...as well as checking out her YA backlist because now that I've gotten a taste of her writing, I'm pretty sure I'll want to devour the rest.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

As an award-winning corporate copywriter, Stacey Kade has written about everything from backhoe loaders to breast pumps. But she prefers to make things up instead.

She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and two retired racing greyhounds, SheWearsThePants (Pansy) and Shutter. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll likely find her parked in front of the television catching up on her favorite shows (Scandal, The Vampire Diaries, Almost Human, The Walking Dead, and Sherlock, among others.)

Stacey is the author of the The Ghost and the Goth trilogy (THE GHOST AND THE GOTH, QUEEN OF THE DEAD, and BODY & SOUL) and The Project Paper Doll Series (THE RULES and THE HUNT).

Find Stacey:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Tumblr

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Labels: 738 days, contemporary, new adult, stacey kade, tor, tough subject, unexpected surprises

{WOW} A CONJURING OF LIGHT by V.E. Schwab

"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...








's Pick:



Title: A Conjuring of Light
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic, book #3
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: February 21, 2017

The battle between four magical Londons comes to a head in this stunning finale to the New York Times bestselling Shades of Magic trilogy by rising star V. E. Schwab

Londons fall and kingdoms rise while darkness sweeps the Maresh Empire—and the fraught balance of magic blossoms into dangerous territory while heroes and foes struggle alike. The direct sequel to A Gathering of Shadows, and the final book in the Shades of Magic epic fantasy series, A Conjuring of Light sees Schwab reach a thrilling culmination concerning the fate of beloved protagonists—and old enemies.

"Addictive and immersive, A Gathering of Shadows cements this series as a must-read. Rich details illuminate every dimension of an extravagant city flooded with magic, and intriguing personalities evolve into complex characters. ...Schwab already has us anticipating the rest of the series."—Entertainment Weekly

"[A Darker Shade of Magic] feels like a priceless object, brought from another, better world of fantasy books. Schwab's writing is engaging and vivid...kept me engrossed by its story every bit as much as I was fascinated by its complex, multilayered world."—io9.com

"Has all the hallmarks of a classic work of fantasy...Schwab has given us a gem of a tale. This is a book to treasure."—Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of The All Souls trilogy on A Darker Shade of Magic

OMG, I think this is my favorite cover of them all. I've loved each one, but this is by far the BEST. And it's just perfect for this final book. I can't even believe I'm saying that...that this series has almost come to a close. Like, what even? How is that possible? These characters are supposed to carry on with their magic and shenanigans till the end of time, providing me with endless entertainment! But at least if it has to end, it's going out with one helluva cover! =D =D =D

What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, grabby hands, magic, must-read, shades of magic, tor, victoria schwab, waiting on wednesday (wow)

Black London is Calling...Or, Let the Games Begin!

Title: A Gathering of Shadows
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic, book #2
Publisher: Tor
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

I was afraid, after having loved A Darker Shade of Magic so completely, that A Gathering of Shadows might suffer from being a middle book and that I would be disappointed by it. I had an advanced copy, and yet I kept putting it off, for fear of what lie ahead. I should not have doubted. I should know from previous experience that this author never does anything by half. But I just wanted such great things from this sequel.

And I got them. I purposely didn't re-read the synopsis before starting because I wanted to be utterly surprised and captivated in turns by what was in store for Kell and Lila. For example, I did not expect the reception that Kell received from his adoptive parents after he saved Rhy's life. I also did not expect Lila to become such a badass thief aboard a pirate ship during her time away from Red London, though that really shouldn't have been that much of a surprise. I also did not remember that this sequel featured a game of epic proportions and featuring feats of magic. But it all came together so perfectly to become just the sequel I was hoping for.

There is nothing slow or methodical about this novel. It expeditiously carries the reader from one intense situation to the next, starting with the first glimpse of Lila at sea and onward. It's with Lila aboard a pirate ship that we first meet Captain Alucard Emery, one of the competitors in the Element Games. And I must say, I fell for his character immediately. He's rakish and full of secrets...just the way I like my pirates.

The interactions that featured Rhy, Kell, Lila, and/or Alucard were among my favorites. The banter and insults being flung around were the stuff of my dreams! And knowing how all four now fit together means that I'll just die if all four don't make it to the end. Especially because of how they all fit together. *insert kissy face here*

But Black London is calling, and he wants OUT. The Element Games themselves are awesome to behold, to watch as friends and foes battle it out, but knowing that a much greater peril is upon these characters made it hard to focus on just the games. I worry for them! And it doesn't help matters, Schwab leaving off where she did in this book. That was one hell of a cliffhanger.

I re-read A Darker Shade of Magic in preparation for this sequel, but I don't think it's completely necessary. It's just usually my policy to read all the previous books in a series again before the newest releases, just so I don't miss anything. But I think with Schwab's books, it would take many re-reads before I could confidently say I hadn't missed anything. She's such a master at world-building, and in this series, she's created four separate worlds, so there's a lot to take in.

If you're on the fence about this series, check out this excerpt from A Darker Shade of Magic. If, like me, you were uncertain of this sequel, here's an excerpt from A Gathering of Shadows that should set you right. I can't recommend this series enough, but if I haven't convinced you, the fact that Gerard Butler has acquired the series to adapt for television -- with Victoria Schwab writing the pilot! -- should.

GIF it to me straight:

About the author:

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.

Find Victoria:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | YouTube

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, lgbt, magic, reviews, shades of magic, tor, victoria schwab

{WOW} VASSA IN THE NIGHT by Sarah Porter

"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...








's Pick:



Title: Vassa in the Night
Author: Sarah Porter
Series: n/a
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: September 20, 2016

In the enchanted kingdom of Brooklyn, the fashionable people put on cute shoes, go to parties in warehouses, drink on rooftops at sunset, and tell themselves they’ve arrived. A whole lot of Brooklyn is like that now—but not Vassa’s working-class neighborhood.

In Vassa’s neighborhood, where she lives with her stepmother and bickering stepsisters, one might stumble onto magic, but stumbling out again could become an issue. Babs Yagg, the owner of the local convenience store, has a policy of beheading shoplifters—and sometimes innocent shoppers as well. So when Vassa’s stepsister sends her out for light bulbs in the middle of night, she knows it could easily become a suicide mission.

But Vassa has a bit of luck hidden in her pocket, a gift from her dead mother. Erg is a tough-talking wooden doll with sticky fingers, a bottomless stomach, and a ferocious cunning. With Erg’s help, Vassa just might be able to break the witch’s curse and free her Brooklyn neighborhood. But Babs won’t be playing fair. . . .

Inspired by the Russian folktale Vassilissa the Beautiful and Sarah Porter’s years of experience teaching creative writing to New York City students.

OMG this novel sounds AH-mazing!!!! Did you read that description?!? I have to be honest…I am most looking forward to meeting Erg, the wooden doll, but the rest of it sounds just as intriguing. And that cover is to die for. DO WANT!!!!!!! Give it to me noooooooowwwwww!!!

What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: beautiful covers, fantasy, grabby hands, magic, must-read, retellings, sarah porter, tor, vassa in the night, waiting on wednesday (wow)

Waiting on Wednesday: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

"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...








's Pick:

Title: A Gathering of Shadows
Author: Victoria Schwab, writing as V.E. Schwab
Series: A Darker Shade of Magic, book #2
Publisher: Tor
Publication Date: February 23, 2016

Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

I will absolutely read anything Victoria Schwab writes. Her writing is beyond my wildest dreams, and I can't wait to read the sequel to what was one of my favorite books this year. I was blown away by the magic and the characters, but it sounds like this follow-up is going to be even better, if that's possible. :) I just can't get enough of Kell and his fabulous coat or Lila and her ferocity. February can't get here soon enough!


 vs. 
I don't know which covers I prefer more -- the US versus the UK editions -- which is probably why I've already started collection both versions for my shelf. :P


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: a darker shade of magic, beautiful covers, fantasy, favorite authors, favorites, grabby hands, magic, must-read, tor, victoria schwab, waiting on wednesday (wow)

Waiting on Wednesday: Riders by Veronica Rossi

"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: Riders
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series: Riders, book #1
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: February 2, 2016

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine and Death—are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence. They fail.

Now—bound, bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

This. Sounds. EPIC! Epic, I tell you! I loved Rossi's Under the Never Sky series SO MUCH, and now this? I don't know how I'll ever wait! :D Also, that cover reminds me of the updated covers of Lauren Oliver's Delirium trilogy a bit, except less pretty and more creepy, lol.


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: beautiful covers, fantasy, grabby hands, riders, tor, veronica rossi, waiting on wednesday (wow)

Waiting on Wednesday: The Heir & Truthwitch

"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 selections are...








's Pick:

Title: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #4
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 5th, 2015

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

Normally I can be a pretty picky reader. So I was surprised by how much I've been enjoying The Selection books. I've been eating them up like candy. They are just fun and paired with some of the tear jerkers I've read lately, it makes for a perfect balance.

Thankfully I don't have too long to wait for The Heir. They probably could have just left the series as is. Which is what I thought they would do originally, but I'm still going to be all over this shit and I'm once again dragging my buddy reader Jess with me. lol. :)

And these covers.. they are gorgeous. I think this one might be my favorite. It looks so Spacey.





's Pick:



Title: Truthwitch
Author: Susan Dennard
Series: The Witchlands, book #1
Publisher: Tor
Publication Date: January 2016

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well. Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

That cover is so fiercely awesome, guys...I can't even. And then to read Susan talk about the fierce friendship in this book and what it means to her....YAAAAASSSS! I just read another book -- though, for the life of me, I cannot remember which one -- where one of the characters was able to discern whether someone was telling the truth, and I loved how that ability was employed. I can't wait to see how it's used in this novel!


What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!

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Labels: beautiful covers, fantasy, harperteen, kiera cass, magic, susan dennard, The Heir, the witchlands, tor, waiting on wednesday (wow)