Waiting On: This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and features upcoming releases.

This Is Not a Test
by Courtney Summers
June 2012

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up.

As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, everyone’s motivations to survive begin to change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life–and death–inside.

When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

Goodreads

I loved Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers (my review), and am very much looking forward to this one. It sounds absolutely amazing! And I like the cover. Is that some blood spatter I see? Braaaaaiiins. Om nom nom.

What book(s) are you waiting on?

Author Interview: Nick James

I'd like to welcome Nick James, author of the Skyship Academy series, to the blog today for an author interview.

About Nick James

When he was a young boy, Nick James’ collection of battle-scarred action figures became the characters in epic storylines with cliffhangers, double crosses and an unending supply of imaginary explosions. Not much has changed. The toys are gone (most of them), but the love of fast-paced storytelling remains. Working in schools from Washington State to England, Nick has met thousands of diverse students since graduating from Western Washington University and braving the most dangerous job in the world: substitute teaching. Luckily, being dubbed the “rock star teacher” has granted him some immunity. He currently lives and teaches in Bellingham, Washington.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

List five random facts about yourself.

I am horrified by most condiments. You could put mustard/mayo/etc. on a stick and chase me around and I would RUN.

I’ve lived and taught at a boarding school in England

I have an interesting summer job. So far, I’ve dressed as a clown, a pink bunny and an old lady fortuneteller. Two of the three have involved me being pelted with something. Can you guess which two?

I’m a (closet) Lego maniac! If I had the money and space, I’d be buying them like crazy.

I eat my pizza without cheese. (I know, I know… too many weird food facts)


Describe your book, The Pearl Wars, in a tweet (140 characters or less).

Tricky! I have one character to spare…

15-year-old slacker finds he can control Pearls, a dying Earth’s most important energy source. The government’s forces work to capture him.


What are some of your favorite (or influential) science fiction stories (book, movie, whatever)?

A book that always stands out to me is M.T. Anderson’s Feed, not only for its provocative vision of the future, but also for the voice in his writing. That book just kills me every time I read it. Much of my writing style has also been influenced by graphic novels, and in that realm Brian K. Vaughn is one of my favorite writers. His Runaways and Y: The Last Man series are exactly the type of thing I strive for in my own work.
As far as movies, I was a huge Star Wars fan growing up. The drama and epic grandeur of films like those is something I really try to capture in my writing. As far as more recent stuff, Children of Men, the Star Trek reboot and Super 8 are three that I’ve really enjoyed. Basically anything JJ Abrams does is amazing.


What is it about science fiction & fantasy that appeals to you?

I’m an action guy, and I have a very short attention span. But more than that, I love to read about worlds that bear resemblance to our own but are, to put it bluntly, more interesting to me. I’m fascinated with world-building, both doing it and reading about it. I love to immerse myself in a place I’d never be able to visit in “normal life.” That being said, my favorite sci-fi books/movies/etc. are all about the characters.


I heard that you think life would be more interesting if it were a musical. What would your theme song be?

Oh you asked the right question! I’m obsessed with music and a lot of the stuff I listen to is mostly unknown in America. I’d have to go with a song by my favorite band of all time. The Ark’s One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young. Carpe diem! Always an important message.

Favorite Joss Whedon character?

Hard one! I really want to pick Faith because she’s so badass, but I’m leaning toward Cordelia Chase because I think she had the biggest character growth throughout her two series.


What are you working on now/next?

I’m working on the finishing touches for the second book in the SKYSHIP ACADEMY series, which will be out next year, but I’ve also got other things up my sleeves.

Thanks to Nick for stopping by and answering some questions!

Nick's novel, The Pearl Wars, is the first book in the Skyship Academy series, and will be released on September 8, 2011, through Flux.

You can find The Pearl Wars on: Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook

Click here to read the first three chapters online.

My Reading Style

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at GReads!

This week's question:

Which genre, authors, or particular books do you think people associate with your reading style?

I'm not sure what other people associate with my reading style! But I know what my reading style is, so I'll tell you that:

Favorite Genres:

• Fantasy, particularly High Fantasy (MG, YA, and Adult)
• YA Contemporary
• Classics, particularly from the Romantic & Victorian periods

Favorite Authors:

• Patrick Rothfuss
• John Green
• Stephanie Perkins
• Neil Gaiman
• Jane Austen
• Brontë sisters

I like pretty much anything YA, but fantasy and contemps are my favorite. Secondary YA favorites would be science fiction (dystopia, steampunk, horror, space opera, whatever) and historical fiction. My favorite adult genre by far is high fantasy, but I do like some urban fantasies and the occasional mystery/thriller. As far as classics, I also have a soft spot for Mythologies, Shakespeare, and Southern American Lit. I've got a lot of favorite authors aside from the ones listed above, but I had to stop somewhere and I think those are a good representation of what I like. If you really want to delve any deeper into my literary tastes you can check out my Goodreads Shelf.

What genres/authors/books would you have associated with me? The same as what I've shared today, or is it different? I'd be interested in hearing what other people think about my reading style. And what is your style of reading?

Review: White Cat by Holly Black

Title: White Cat
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Series: Curse Workers #1
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Purchased

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has certainly built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

White Cat is everything that I heard it'd be. It's magical, mysterious, and dangerous. It has an amazing cast of characters and a likable hero in Cassel Sharpe.

Cassel is a loner and his mind is always working like that of a conman, something instilled in him by his mother. He doesn't fit in with his family of curse workers, and he holds himself at a distance from his fellow classmates at school. He keeps the secret that he killed his best friend close to himself and he suffers from the partial memory of it. He's clever. He doesn't fit in, but he doesn't bemoan the fact. He has a dark past. And he knows that he's done bad things. He isn't a bad guy, but he worries that he is. And as things start to get weird, he begins uncovering secrets.

This world in which curse workers exist is not so unlike our own, aside from this one bit of magic. The inclusion of the mobster aspect enhances the curse working and reinforces the sinister potential that those with these abilities possess. Combining the curses and the mafia gives the story an edge and a uniqueness that I can appreciate. The plot moves along steadily, fueled by Cassel's curious struggle to uncover the truth, and the conclusion is satisfying.

If you like urban fantasy, mystery, danger, and magic, then you will probably enjoy White Cat.

Waiting On: The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and features upcoming releases.

The Isle of Blood
by Rick Yancey
September 13, 2011

When Dr. Warthrop goes hunting the "Holy Grail of Monstrumology" with his eager new assistant, Arkwright, he leaves Will Henry in New York. Finally, Will can enjoy something that always seemed out of reach: a normal life with a real family. But part of Will can't let go of Dr. Warthrop, and when Arkwright returns claiming that the doctor is dead, Will is devastated--and not convinced.

Determined to discover the truth, Will travels to London, knowing that if he succeeds, he will be plunging into depths of horror worse than anything he has experienced so far. His journey will take him to Socotra, the Isle of Blood, where human beings are used to make nests and blood rains from the sky--and will put Will Henry's loyalty to the ultimate test.

Amazon | Goodreads

Recently, Simon & Schuster decided to discontinue this series once this third book was published. But, after a push from fans and bloggers like this one who encouraged an outpouring of support, they agreed to publish the fourth book. So, if you are a fan of The Monstrumologist, or think you might become one, or can appreciate the stellar works in YA fiction, then it is imperative that you buy this book. And the fourth, when it's published. I know I'll be picking them up.

What book(s) are you waiting on?

Top Ten Books I Love But Haven't Reviewed

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's top ten list features books that I loved but didn't review, either because I read them before I was a book blogger or because I just couldn't find the words to do them justice.

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Kingkiller Chronicles) - I read this prior to blogging, and I've thought about reviewing it on the blog anyway, especially since it won an Alex Award for its great crossover appeal, but I really just don't know what to say about it other than, "It's freaking awesome. Read it. Now."
   Amazon | Goodreads
2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling - I read these way before blogging, and never bothered to review them because everyone knows they're awesome and that everyone in the universe should read them and that they're an obvious recommendation. Right?
   Amazon | Goodreads
3. Looking for Alaska by John Green - I had to read this for my adolescent lit class in college. The whole class loved it and when we had to break up into groups to do our project for the semester, my group didn't have any trouble choosing John Green's newly released book, An Abundance of Katherines. I was an immediate fan then and remain one now. I buy all of his books but haven't reviewed any. John Green books are too awesome for my blog. Maybe one day I'll have the audacity to review one on here anyway. DFTBA.
   Amazon | Goodreads
4. Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones - Another before the blog book. I loved the Miyazaki film and had to read the book. And of course the book is even better! Dianna Wynne Jones has since become one of my favorite authors. If you haven't read anything by her, you should. You can start with this one.
   Amazon | Goodreads
5. Sabriel by Garth Nix (Abhorsen Chronicles) - Also read this before I started blogging. I'm always surprised by how many people haven't heard of these books, because they're so good. High fantasy. Necromancers. Spirits. Amazing magic system. Awesome world. Heroine of quiet strength. If you haven't read it, do. A fourth book will be coming out as well, featuring Clariel. I can't wait for it.
   Amazon | Goodreads
6. The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander - Have you ever seen the Disney animated movie The Black Cauldron? That was based on book 2 in this little series, except the books are eleventy billion times more awesome. Approximately. They're YA/MG fantasy based in Welsh lore and mythology, and they're quick but amazing and endearing reads. LOVE.
   Amazon | Goodreads
7. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (Leviathan Trilogy) - I'm pretty sure I already had my blog when I started reading these. I really like this trilogy, but I didn't review them for whatever reason. I did snag a copy of Goliath from Galley Grab though, so perhaps the obligation I now feel will motivate me to get reviews of all 3 of them up on the blog soon.
   Amazon | Goodreads
8. Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks - I bought these because, before the Agency Model raped the prices of e-books, I found the omnibus for $9.99 on my Kindle. Plus there is an assassin on the cover and I have a weak spot for rogues. I wasn't disappointed. I read them before blogging, and I really like them. It's magic ninja hit men. WTF is not to like?
   Amazon | Goodreads
9. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (The Queen's Thief) - I loved this book, but I didn't review it because it's one of those books that is hard not to spoil. I keep my reviews spoiler-free, so when a book is difficult to talk about without ruining it I often just won't review it. It's really good, though. Eugenides is one of my favorite characters (obviously, because he's a freakin' rogue), and he makes this series really fun to read just to see WTF kind of stuff he's pulled by the end of each book.
   Amazon | Goodreads
10. Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack Series) - I listened to this audiobook back when it was one of Sync's free downloads last summer, and absolutely loved it. Katherine Kellgren narrates it, and she does such an amazing job. I never liked audiobooks before I listened to her read this one. I'm not sure why I have yet to review this title, but I definitely recommend reading (or listening to!) this if you haven't. Jacky is a hilarious character even though a lot of the things that happen to her are quite serious.
    Amazon | Goodreads

So that's 10 of the books/series that I really enjoyed but haven't reviewed! Maybe I will try to post reviews of these at some point. Are there any on this list that you'd like to see me review? And, if you blog, do you have some books that you love but just haven't gotten around to reviewing?

In My Mailbox (30)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I've received some awesome stuff recently! Here are the books I've gotten since last time:

Bought:
Stork by Wendy Delsol
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby (signed) (My Review)
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (signed)
A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz (signed)
A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin (signed)

Gifted/Traded:
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (signed)
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

For Review:
All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin (Macmillan)
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard (NetGalley)
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley (NetGalley)
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez (Galley Grab)
Ditched by Robin Mellom (NetGalley)
Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon (NetGalley)
You Are My Only by Beth Kephart (NetGalley)
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison (NetGalley)
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (NetGalley)

I also got some Firelight and Vanish swag from Sophie Jordan, so I'll be including those in giveaways. :)
That's it for me! What books did you get this week?