Looking Ahead: Mind Games by Teri Terry

Mind Games by Teri Terry is being released in March 2015. If you enjoyed Terry's Slated Trilogy, definitely add Mind Games to your TBR list. For those who don't know, Mind Games is sci-fi and psychological thriller.

Terry is an amazing writer. The Slated Trilogy is one of my favorite dystopian trilogies and I hope Mind Games will be one of my favorite books of 2015. And the main character's name is LUNA! YAYNESS! How awesome is the dust jacket? Love it! The silver foil against the black is GORGEOUS!

Video found on teriterry.jimdo.com

Synposis (from Goodreads):

Luna is a no-hoper with a secret: in a world of illusion, she can see what is real. But can she see the truth before it is too late? 

Luna has always been able to exist in virtual and real worlds at the same time, a secret she is warned to keep. She hides her ability by being a Refuser: excluded by choice from the virtual spheres others inhabit. But when she is singled out for testing, she can’t hide any longer. 

The safest thing to do would be to fail, to go back to a dead-end life, no future. But Luna is starting to hope for something better, and hope is a dangerous thing...

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons of Books for Young Readers
Publication date:  October 7, 2014
Pages: 355
Source/format: Purchased, hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt. 

My Thoughts: 

I absolutely love this book. It's an amazing start to an epic trilogy. I love how it's a fantasy but feels like I am reading a historical fiction novel. I am not a huge fan of high fantasy but if it reads like a historical fiction novel, I am all for it. Marie Lu does POVs right! She has a knack at writing in the character's voice during the character's POV chapter. Not many authors are capable of mastering the art of writing multiple POVs. The world building in The Young Elites is amazing and I love the power dynamics. Lu does an an incredible job with descriptions. I can picture every last detail in my head when reading the novel.

I love the secret society of The Daggers, a branch of the Young Elites, in the book. They save Adelina from the burning but at what cost? She goes through an initiation after finding out what stones she has affinities for. Adelina learns more about The Daggers and what their mission is. However, Adelina has second thoughts about if being part of The Daggers is the right thing to do. Can she trust them? Can she trust Enzo and what he claims? Is Teren really the enemy?

Adelina is a strong character. She thinks for herself and holds onto secrets because she cannot trust others. Everyone seems to have secrets in the novel. People use Adelina for her knowledge and/or her powers but she takes a stand to make a name for herself. Adelina is her own boss and leader. She does not want to do other people's bidding.

However, Adelina was not always a strong woman. She was broken and fragile at the beginning of the book. The only person who has been protecting her is her sister, Violetta. Adelina doesn't find out until much later that her sister is protecting her though. The entire time, Adelina believes that she is the one protecting Violetta. Her love for her sister is similar to Katniss' love for Prim in The Hunger Games. Adelina will do anything to make sure Violetta is safe. The bond is strong. It took awhile for Adelina to gain her strength to become her own person. She feeds off of fury and fear. Her powers are the darkest of all the Young Elites but she has potential to be great. The darkness of the story is great. I can feel Adelina become darker and darker as the plot line progresses.

At the end of the novel, there is a huge cliffhanger. So much stuff happens at the end of the book in such a small time span. I seriously cannot wait for the next installment of this trilogy. Go on ahead and read part one of this dark fantasy. If you like a little romance, a lot of action and some betrayal, you will love this book!

Top Ten Books On My Winter TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to list their top ten books on their winter TBR list. The following books are in no particular order.

1. Winterspell by Claire Legrand is definitely high on the list because December is the perfect time to read this Nutcracker retelling. 

2. Zodiac by Romina Rusell is a sci-fi fantasy you do not want to miss. Beware of the 13th sign!

3. Dove Arising by Karen Bao is the first book in the Dove Chronicles Trilogy. This debut novel has been on my TBR list ever since I heard about it earlier this year. If you like sci-fi, check this one out.

4. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is high on most people's TBR list and for good reason. This is the first book of the Red Queen Trilogy and Aveyard's debut novel. It looks epic. If you enjoyed read The Young Elites by Marie Lu, I would highly recommend checking out Red Queen.

5. Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff is a contemporary on the lines of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira. This is Falkoff's debut novel. I am looking forward to this book since The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of my favorite novels and I am always looking for books that have a similar vibe.

6. Fairest by Marissa Meyer will finally reveal more about Levana. We found out more about Levana's untold story about how she became the person she is now. 

7. My True Love Gave to Me is edited by Stephanie Perkins and includes short stories by Stephanie, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Peña, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor and Kiersten White. Winter is the perfect season to read this anthology. Who doesn't enjoy a good holiday read?

8. The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan is a collection of Magnus Bane short stories that I want to marathon. I am a huge fan of The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices series and Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters in both series. 

 9. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead is a must read for me! I must have rambled about this book so many times in my previous posts but this is THE LAST BOOK in the Bloodlines series!

10. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness is the last book in the All Souls Trilogy. I heard good things about this installment!

Sisterhood of the World Book Bloggers Tag

So no one knows about the origin of the Sisterhood of the World Book Bloggers Tag but it's a fun tag to do! I was tagged by Sarah at What Sarah Read. Thank you Sarah for tagging me! I hope everyone enjoys the Q&A.

Here are the rules!

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their website.
2. Post the award’s logo on your blog.
3. Answer the ten questions you have been asked.
4. Nominate ten other bloggers and ask them ten other questions.

Now on with the questions!

1. If you could choose one book to re-read once a year for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Definitely Fangirl!

2. What book character have you identified with the most while reading?

Luna Lovegood because she is a Ravenclaw and she embraces her quirkiness! She is my favorite character in the Harry Potter series because I see a lot of myself in her.

Image from harry potter.wikia.com

3. If you could choose a whirlwind tour of 5 locations from any of the books you’ve ever read, which would you choose. They can be real or fantasy!

My favorite literary locations for a five-stop tour would include Hogwarts from Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Idris/Alicante of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, Kenettra from The Young Elites by Marie Lu, Valoria from The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski and Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter from The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan.

4. Recommend a book for someone who normally doesn’t enjoy reading. What book would you pick to change their mind?   

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. I know a lot of people who aren't big readers who read this book and end up loving the Harry Potter series. Also, all ages can enjoy this magical series. Seriously, friendships can form through Harry Potter no matter how alike or different the fans are from each other.

5. What is your favorite movie or television adaptation of a book you’ve read? 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling and the Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

6. What is your most anticipated book of 2015?

Do I have to pick only one book? Well if I must pick one, I pick The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead because it's the last book in the Bloodlines series and I absolutely love the series. Go Sydrian!

7. What is the longest book you have ever read? 

Off the top of my head, I believe Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 870 pages is the longest book that I have read..unless you include some classics which are super long.

8. What’s your best blogging tip? 

Be yourself. Don't try to copy others. Don't try to be someone you are not. Your personality will stand out by being yourself and thus making your blog unique.

9. Tell us about your favorite blogging experience you’ve had. Was it meeting a fellow blogger? 
Attending a conference or book signing? 

I am fairly new at blogging but I loved meeting bloggers, librarians, literary agents, educators, etc. at BEA 2014! I loved how I was able to converse with almost anyone at the event about everything bookish!

10. When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging on October 15, 2014. The blog is for me to transfer my bookish thoughts onto a written medium. If people read it, then that's great. If they don't, it's fine too because in the end, the blog is for me.

Ten questions for 10 bloggers
1. What book would you recommend to your fellow book lovers? If the book is part of a series, you can include the series.
2. Who is your favorite author?
3. Who is your most read author? Also, how many books have you read by the author?
4. Name 3 fictional places you would like to visit. 
5. What quote from a book will you never forget and why? 
6. What book can you read over and over again and never get tired of?
7. What book made you cry?
8. List three book confessions.  
9. When and why did you start blogging?  
10. What are some of your favorite hobbies besides reading and blogging?  

The 10 blogger nominees 
1. Christine at Padfoot's Library
2. Jaz at Fiction in Fiction in Fiction
3. Elizabeth, Juliana and Melissa at Novelty Podcast
4. Nicole and Sophia at Quality Fangirls
5. Kaina at These Flying Pages
6. Katie at Mundie Moms
7. Lauren at Love is not a Triangle
8. Nicole and Ashley at The Quiet Concert
9. Jenna at Jenna Does Books
10. Emily at Falling for YA

If you were already tagged by another blogger, then it's okay! It just means more people love your blog!

Special and Limited Edition Covers

I know we're not suppose to judge a book by its cover but some of the special and limited edition covers are so gorgeous! How am I not suppose to judge? The Book Depository is my go to stop for all these fancy covered books. I am the type of person who will buy more than one copy of a book for the cover. I love The Book Depository because they have a wide range of books to peruse through and shipping is free. Who doesn't like free shipping?

Also, since some of these editions are limited and/or signed, these amazing books would make great gifts for the holidays.

1. This limited UK edition of The Maze Runner by James Dashner is signed. The book is a highlighter yellow and has a nice black slipcase. There are only 1,000 copies total so make sure you act fast and order one ASAP.

2. The UK version of My True Love Gave to Me is edited by Stephanie Perkins and includes short stories by Stephanie, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Peña, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor and Kiersten White.

The UK collector's edition has a nice dusty blue dust jacket with gold foil embossed text. The page edges are hot pink and the book overall is just cute and festive. This is definitely a book to pick up for a holiday gift. If you are in the NYC area on December 4th, definitely check out two events where 10 out of the 12 authors will be present. Rainbow's website has more information.

Image from naturallysteph.tumblr.com

3. This is the 10th anniversary signed limited edition of Coraline by Neil Gaiman. It has an amazing vibrant purple slipcase and is definitely a nice gift idea for the Neil Gaiman fans.

Image on the right is from Illustration Cupboard

4. This stunning copy of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell is definitely a keeper. It's a UK special collector's edition. The dust jacket is a pink and the naked book is a lovely mint green with foil pink embossed text and image of Simon and Baz. The other side of the dust jacket has an emergency dance party poster image with Cath and Levi dancing.

Image on the right is from rainbowrowell.com

5. The UK version of Landline by Rainbow Rowell is not special collector's edition or limited edition but I love the cover art for this book. It's just too cute.

Image is from rainbowrowell.com

6. Want a limited signed copy of Half Bad by Sally Green? The Book Depository has some in stock. Make sure to read it before Half Wild comes out next year.

7. You can never have too many copies of the Harry Potter series. It's is classic international bestselling series for all ages to enjoy. The American special edition Harry Potter paperback boxset is illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. The UK special edition Harry Potter paperback boxset is illustrated by Jonny Duddle. There is also an Harry Potter adult complete collection boxset with dust jackets designed by woodcutter Andrew Davidson. Pass the magic along!

8. The All Souls Trilogy boxset by Deborah Harkness comes with a limited edition Diana's Commonplace Book. Jump into this amazing adult fantasy.

“The Mockingjay Lives”

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I is around the corner. Friday is the big release but of course you can view the movie on Thursday night. Being fond of the Hunger Games book series, I am super excited to see this film. I will be attending one of the Friday showings in Maine since I will be on a mini getaway trip in Portsmouth, NH and Portland ME for weekend.

Speaking of The Hunger Games, you should check out the Odds in Our Favor Campaign created by the Harry Potter Alliance that started earlier this week. Hunger Games fans fight against real inequalities. The campaign "aims to open up the pervasive personal narratives of the daily realities of income inequality in much the same way that the great #YesAllWomen did with the daily realities of misogyny."


Use the hashtag #MyHungerGames when you share your experiences with economic inequality. Everyone's three-finger salute is a sign of protest in the face of economic inequality. Join the resistance!

Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to list their top ten sequels that they can't wait to get. The following books are in no particular order.

1. The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski because I need to know what happens next with Kestrel and Arin.

2. Trail of Tears by Josephine Angelini because I want to know if Lily actually makes it to her Salem or does she stay in the alternate Salem because of Rowan.

3. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han because I need to know more about Lara Jean and her relationship between her sisters.

4. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead because it's the final book in the Bloodlines series and I need to know what happens! Sydrian!

5. The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare because I need to know more about this mysterious world of Mages and Masters.

6. Half Wild by Sally Green because I want to learn more about Nathan and Gabriel. Also, the book is being released a day before my birthday :D.

7. The Heir by Kiera Cass because I want to know about Maxon and America's twins! I am so excited that Kiera is releasing more books in the Selection series.

8. Untitled, Book 2 in the Young Elites series because Adelina is such a badass and I need to know about her journey. (Edit: As of 1/7/15, the second book is titled The Rose Society).

9. Dearest by Alethea Kontis because we get to read more about Friday Woodcutter, the kind and loving seamstress.

10. Stolen by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston because I want to know more about the Nat and her drakon heritage. Stolen is the second book in the Heart of Dread series which is being released today!

What sequels are you looking forward to?

Bookish Gift Guide, Part III

It's the middle of November and holiday shopping season is around the corner. Why not start your shopping early and avoid all the lines at the store. These online bookish gifts are perfect for your favorite bookworms.

1. Hebel Designs sells a Tessa's Clockwork Angel pendant which has real gears! Although expensive, there is also a replica for much cheaper. Hebel Designs carries an array of amazing Shadowhunter Chronicles jewelry for your Shadowhunter loving friends. Hebel Designs also makes jewelry for other book series that is worth checking out.

2. TBH polish carries a Worst Games to Play indie nail polish collection to celebrate the Hunger Games. You can choose from full size or mini size. 

3. Alice in Wonderland fans will love this Down the Rabbit Hole Alice in Wonderland necklace by Out of Print Clothing. I love the charms on this piece. 

4. How cute is this The Very Hungry Caterpillar tote bag by Out of Print Clothing? Tote your favorite children's book mascot around with you everyday!

5. Know someone who has a MacBook? Gift them a Twelve South BookBook, a MacBook case that transforms a laptop into a leather book.

6. Fancy some tea and/or coffee? Check out this Matilda mug from The Literary Gift Company. Drink a cuppa while reading your favorite book.

Bookish Gift Guide, Part II: The Harry Potter Edition

Love Harry Potter? The Bookish Gift Guide, Part II is dedicated to the famous magical wizarding world. Here are some amazing bookish gifts for your Potterhead friends.

1. Warm up with the Butter Beer bath and body products by Fortune Cookie Soap. The butter beer scent is intoxicating with notes of rum and creamy buttery toffee.

2. Are you interested in something a bit more mysterious? Try the Polyjuice Potion All the Things line by Fortune Cookie Soap. Despite the name and what you have read, Polyjuice Potion is sweet and fruity. This magical blend consists of fresh oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, ripe melon, peaches, kiwi and a pinch of sugar.

3. Frostbeard Studio has amazing candles for many fandoms. All of the candles are made out of soy wax. If you like notes of cedarwood vanilla, fireplace and lemon, you will definitely love Dumbledore's Office. If you are more into a festive candle, check out Christmas at the Burrow.

For those who can't decide on a Potterhead scent, check out the POTTERHEAD tea light sampler.

4. Fictitious Fragrances has some awesome soy candles inspired by fandoms as well. Choose from one of the house scents or pick up some Butterbeer or Pumpkin Pasties.

5. Black Out Art's Basic Spells and Dark Art Spells buttons are a great way to spice up your bag, your jacket or your lanyard. Do you have a favorite spell? 

6. Who doesn't want the Harry Potter: The Creature Vault guide? Warner Bros. and HarperCollins has released an amazing book chock full of original concept art of the amazing creatures that reside in Harry Potter's world. Definitely take a look at a sneak peak of the concept art.

7. GlassBlastedArt makes amazing personalized etched pint glasses. Check out this Three Broomsticks glass for your evening glass of Butterbeer or Firewhisky.

8. Know someone who likes to cook, bake and/or cosplay? Check out this cute apron by jordanene. There are other house designs available as well.

9. Have a cup of tea with the Marauders! Here's a cute set of 4 mugs that are stackable by a bird in the hand. If you are looking for one big mug, there are more options here.

10. Do you have a friend who loves words? This Harry Potter refrigerator magnet set by Refrigerator Prose is perfect to unleash the inner author or poet. 

11. Arbella Figg makes nifty refillable notebook covers. There are two Quibbler covers I absolutely love. One is a Spectropia design and one is The Grim design. Definitely check out Mrs. Figgs' other covers as well. All covers comes with a notebook. 

12. Heart Felt Designs' fandom pillows are adorable. If you plan to order one and if you live in the United States, make sure you place your order by November 20th. There are multiple characters to choose from.