Below are the YA books releasing this week that I am spotlighting for my “Book Watch: Releasing This Week” post.

These are books for the week of June 18th-June 24th that I have pre-ordered.

STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood will be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Putnam Juvenile, the print edition is 384 pages.

STAR CURSED is the second book in author Jessica Spotswood’s Cahill Witch Chronicles. The third book in the series does not yet have a title or release date scheduled.

I am so excited that STAR CURSED is releasing this week and that it will be downloading to my Kindle on Monday Midnight. I absolutely loved this second book in the author’s Cahill Witch Chronicles and after that ending….

Oh. My. Gosh. The not knowing when the next book in the series will be releasing is going to kill me. And of course the not knowing what will happen next is already driving me out of my mind. That ending is killer.

And now that I’ve fallen madly in love with this series and its characters I want that next book now. Desperately.

STAR CURSED was such an amazing follow-up to BORN WICKED and reading both books back-to-back was absolutely divine. I have only positive things to say about this series, the writing, the story, the characters and both books’ endings. And this sequel was filled with all sorts amazing – suspense, action, romance, betrayal.

As I have already read STAR CURSED very recently I won’t be reading it again right when it releases, but I will be reading it again before the next book in the series comes out. And it’s most definitely a series worth reading again and again and again.

TARNISH by Katherine Longshore will be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Viking Juvenile, the print edition is 448 pages.

Anne Boleyn is quite a fascinating historical figure and I’m totally stoked that TARNISH is releasing this week so that I can check out how author Katherine Longshore tells her tale.

As I’ve only read paragraphs in my history books about her, and not a biography, I’m very curious to see her life as a story rather than a bunch of facts and dates on a page.

I love that this author combines history and fiction to create stories full of intrigue and heartbreak. She brings history to life and makes these people from the past far more three-dimensional than a simple history lesson could ever do.

As I have a few books I must read in the next few weeks, I won’t get to read TARNISH immediately. But I definitely plan on adding it to the pile some time in July. Because I really want to “meet” the young Anne Boleyn.

PROXY by Alex London will be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Philomel, the print edition is 384 pages.

PROXY is the first book in author Alex London’s series of the same name. The second book in the series, GUARDIAN, is slated for release in 2014.

Ever since I saw the cover for PROXY by Alex London I’ve been pining for this book. And I’m so thrilled that release day is just about here and that I’ll finally get the chance to read it.

I love the idea, horrifying as it is, that in this world there are Proxy’s who are there to take the punishments for the wealthy. It’s not a wholly unrealistic concept and I’m super curious to see what the author does with this. I’m also just so curious as to what Knox and Syd have in common that would make them try to “beat the system” and “save each other.”

From the description, this first book in the series sounds action-packed. And I cannot wait to find out just what “debts…cannot be paid.”

I really, really hope to be able to sneak this onto my reading pile next week. Because it sounds just so amazing. And I’ve been waiting for it for so very long.

SOLSTICE by P.J. Hoover will be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Tor Teen, the print edition is 384 pages.

This week makes me happy. SOLSTICE is releasing this week! This book sounds totally awesome and I cannot wait to sneak it onto the pile in the very, very near future so that I can take that journey to Piper’s world and see just how things spiral out of control for her.

As I very recently spotlighted this book for my Book Watch post, I won’t go on and on about just why I want to read it. But a story in which gods are battling for control of the Underworld is one that has awesome written all over it.

I can’t wait to meet Piper and find out what the answer to the secret is. And I can’t wait to dive into this story that is a “melding of mythology and dystopia.”

And I’m fairly certain the wait won’t be very long because I really want to read this book. Now.

DEFY THE DARK by Saundra Mitchell, Aprilynne Pike, Carrie Ryan, Rachel Hawkins, Sarah Rees Brennan, Tessa Gratton, Christine Johnson, Valerie Kemp and Malinda Lo will be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2013 in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats.

It is currently available to pre-order online in all formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 496 pages.

I am really curious about this new anthology, DEFY THE DARK. The description on Goodreads is rather cryptic, but when I saw the author line-up I just had to pre-order it for my Kindle.

It sounds like there will be a broad spectrum of stories from a multitude of genres, but I’m guessing they’ll all tie in to the anthology’s title. And I can’t wait to check a few – or all – of them out.

The description also hints at a mystery author. So, of course I’m dying to find out who that is. But I guess I’ll have to wait for Monday Midnight to find out. And you can bet I will be taking a peek the instant it downloads.

TRIANGLES by Kimberly Ann Miller

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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A TRICK OF THE LIGHT by Lois Metzger

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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INTUITION (Transcendence #2) by C.J. Omololu

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013

Publisher: Walker Childrens

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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WITCH FIRE (Burn Mark #2) by Laura Powell

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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WINTER QUEEN (Fairy Queens #1)  by Amber Argyle

Pub. Date: June 19, 2013

Publisher: Starling Books

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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PRAEFATIO (Praefatio #1) by Georgia McBride

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013 (paperback ed.)

Publisher: Month9Books

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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MY SISTER’S REAPER by Dorothy Dreyer

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013 (paperback ed.)

Publisher: Month9Books

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

***

First published in 1995

THE WATCHER IN THE SHADOWS (Niebla #3) by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Pub. Date: June 18, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

It’s a much quieter week for releases this week. Thankfully. I only have five books pre-ordered and there are quite a few less books of note to ponder adding to my collection. Though I’m pretty certain I will be adding Lois Metzger’s book to said collection.

But the books I am definitely adding are ones that I either know are amazing, imagine will be amazing or am so very hopeful will be amazing.

And while I wish I’d read more than just the one book releasing this week, I’m happy to have four new books to dive into this summer penned by a few new-to-me authors.

Anyway…

It’s very possible that I am missing quite a few new releases this week. It’s also very likely that there will be a few surprise downloads to my Kindle on Tuesday. But for now I’m happy with the fact that it isn’t a crazy week for new releases and my TBR pile and my wallet get a short reprieve.

Because I’m pretty sure that next week there are quite a few new releases. Many of which I have pre-ordered.

But if there are some awesome titles hitting shelves this week, please let me know. Because, as much as I complain about my TBR pile I’d rather it be filled with wonderful bookish possibilities than empty.

And as ever, I hope you have a few awesome titles being added to your collection this week. I also hope you have time to read one or two of them.

Happy reading!

As always, I would love to hear what you’re hoping to add to your collection this week!

And if you have any great suggestions of “must read” books to buy that are releasing this week, please let me know!

Below are the YA books releasing this week that I am spotlighting for my “Book Watch: Releasing This Week” post.

These are books for the week of April 30th-May 6th that I have pre-ordered.

***Not a YA title***

OATH BOUND by Rachel Vincent will be released in the U.S. on April 30, 2013 in paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and in paperback format at BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Harlequin MIRA, the print edition is 432 pages.

OATH BOUND is the third and final book in the Unbound series by author Rachel Vincent.

I am so excited for the release of OATH BOUND. I feel like I’ve waited for ages and ages to read Sera and Kris’ story. And I will be reading it the second my pre-order copy downloads to my Kindle.

As much as I would love this series to go on for a couple more books… at least… I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up for Liv and Cam, Kori and Ian. I’m curious to see just what happens to the Syndicates. And I’m super curious about what Skill Sera has.

And as difficult as it will be to say goodbye to yet another series by author Rachel Vincent, I can’t make myself wait to read it. I am such a huge fan of this series and its characters. I love the fact that with each book I get a different view of the world, get to meet new characters and learn about their different abilities. And I love that with each book the overarching plot moves just a little bit farther forward.

The wait has been torturous. Especially with the author’s Facebook comments throughout the writing process. But I am so glad to finally get the chance to dive into this last installment in this amazing series.

THE ETERNITY CURE by Julie Kagawa will be released in the U.S. on April 30, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Harlequin TEEN, the print edition is 448 pages.

THE ETERNITY CURE is the second book in author Julie Kagawa’s Blood of Eden series. No information is yet available about the third book in the series.

I may be a new fan of this series, but I am officially an obsessed fan. And I am so unbelievably excited for THE ETERNITY CURE’s release this week. Because that means that the next book in this series is that much closer to its release date.

I got the chance to read THE ETERNITY CURE just a little bit early thanks to the publisher and NetGalley and I thought it was totally amazing. (My Review.) I loved the first book in the series but this sequel was seriously epic. And now I am dying to continue the story and find out just what happens after that killer ending.

The world was even darker in this sequel. The threats were even more deadly. And the love story was way more heartbreaking.

While I won’t be re-reading this book on release day, I do plan on re-reading it. And I’m so thrilled that the finished copy will be downloading to my Kindle this week and that it will join THE IMMORTAL RULES as part of my permanent collection.

SWEET PERIL by Wendy Higgins will be released in the U.S. on April 30, 2013 in paperback, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in all formats at AMAZON and in print and eBook formats at BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 384 pages.

SWEET PERIL is the second book in Wendy Higgins’ The Sweet Trilogy. The third book in the series, SWEET RECKONING, is slated for release in June 2014.

I cannot believe that the release date for SWEET PERIL is finally almost here. I held off reading the early review copy I had for as long as possible because I know just how torturous the wait is for the next book’s release.

Well I read it. And it’s all sorts of awesome. And I desperately want to re-read it right this minute. Or when my finished copy downloads to my Kindle on Monday Midnight. Because I am definitely not ready to disconnect from the story and leave the world. And I am absolutely not ready to begin suffering the agonizingly long wait for the final book in this series.

As I will be posting my review in the next couple of days and I already spotlighted SWEET PERIL for my Book Watch post a few weeks ago, I won’t go on and on here. But I will just quickly say that this book was every bit as exciting as the first book in the series. There was just as much heat… okay, there was a lot more…. The suspense was killer. And the chemistry sizzled.

Yes, I am still swooning over Kaidan Rowe.

LIFE AFTER THEFT by Aprilynne Pike will be released in the U.S. on April 30, 2013 in hardcover, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in all formats at AMAZON and in hardcover and eBook formats at BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 352 pages.

I am a huge fan of author Aprilynne Pike and when I heard about her standalone novel, LIFE AFTER THEFT, I just had to pre-order a copy. While I did receive an eARC for review, I didn’t get the chance to read it before release date, so I will be reading my finished copy instead.

But this book sounds like so much fun. I love modern retellings. And I am so very curious to see what the author did with The Scarlet Pimpernel in her novel.

I can’t wait to meet Jeff and Kimberlee and see just what her “unfinished business” is. And the fact that her haunting is dubbed snarky makes me that much more excited to read it.

While I won’t get the chance to add it to the pile this week or next, I will be reading it in May.

THE PROGRAM by Suzanne Young will be released in the U.S. on April 30, 2013 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE.

Published by Simon Pulse, the print edition is 416 pages.

THE PROGRAM is the first book in a new series of the same name by author Suzanne Young.

I cannot believe I almost forgot to pre-order THE PROGRAM for my Kindle. I’d heard about this series months ago when it was making the rounds on the blogs and I thought it sounded awesome. But as it wasn’t yet available to pre-order in electronic format I had to wait.

Fortunately I didn’t miss its release and I cannot wait for it to download this week.

I’m so totally curious about this book. Sloane’s world sounds chilling. And the fact that The Program wipes people’s memories makes that solution to the suicide epidemic seem even more horrific than the problem.

A life where feelings have to be buried does not sound appealing. And the fact that Sloane and James are both beginning to suffer from depression makes their future seem bleak. Especially if they do have to enter The Program.

I definitely want to check this book out this week. Even if I don’t get the chance to move it to the top of the pile I just have to take a peek. And I hope to be able to read it in June if I can’t manage to sneak it in sooner.

THE WARD (The Ward #1) by Jordana Frankel

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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OUR SONG by Jordanna Fraiberg

Pub. Date: May 2, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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THE BOYFRIEND APP by Katie Sise

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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IDENTITY THEFT by Anna Davies

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Point

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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DEFRIENDED by Ruth Baron

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Point

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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BELONGING (Temptation #2) by Karen Ann Hopkins

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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THE LOOP by Shandy Lawson

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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THE  LAST ACADEMY by Anne Applegate

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Point

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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GORGEOUS by Paul Rudnick

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Press

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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ANTHEM FOR JACKSON DAWES by Celia Bryce

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

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NOBODY’S SECRET by Michaela MacColl

Pub. Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Chronicle Books

(AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE)

***

There are a ton of books releasing this week, but at the moment I only have five books pre-ordered. I am so very tempted to order OUR SONG as it sounds totally awesome. And I’m still really curious about THE WARD. But for now I’m trying to show a little restraint and not impulse buy books that I won’t immediately get the chance to read.

Fortunately, even with five books pre-ordered, I won’t be adding too many books to the TBR pile since I’ve already read SWEET PERIL and THE ETERNITY CURE and I will be reading OATH BOUND when it releases. But as next week promises just as many new releases, if not more, and I haven’t read any of the books I have pre-ordered, it’s a good thing my reading pile gets a little bit of a respite this week.

Many of the books “of note” that I’ve listed are ones I hadn’t heard very much about. But those Point Horror books have piqued my curiosity so I’ll definitely have to stalk a few reviews to see if they’re books I should have in my collection.

Anyway…

I hope I haven’t missed any amazing titles releasing this week. And I hope that if you are a fan of Rachel Vincent’s Unbound series, you won’t have as tough a time saying goodbye as I know I will.

But if there are a few books I should have on my radar, feel free to let me know in the comments. I’m always up for learning about new “must read” and “must buy” books.

And I’d love to hear what books releasing this week are ones you just have to have.

As always, I would love to hear what you’re hoping to add to your collection this week!

And if you have any great suggestions of “must read” books to buy that are releasing this week, please let me know!

There are so many amazing books out there – released or soon-to-be-released – that have certain passages that just captivate.

Here are just a few of those that caught my attention in the past few months.

***

I had quite a few favorite passages that I bookmarked in Forgiven. Many of them were sarcastic, because I always love the sarcastic quotes, but some were of the breathtaking, heart-stopping variety.

I shared one of my favorite passages in my review, but this passage is such a tease I couldn’t resist….

Sweet Evil is one of my absolute favorite reads of 2012. There was so much sweetness and a whole heck of a lot of evil. Wickedly delicious this book was. Oh, yes.

While I refrained from revealing anything too torturous in my review, I couldn’t help but post one of the more delectable passages in this edition of The Extras.

As the series ending book, Destined had so many amazingly tease-worthy passages. I chose a much less teaser-y passage for my review, but thought I could get away with being just a little bit more revealing here.

Besides, Destined is on shelves now, so it’s not like anyone couldn’t just grab a copy and devour all the amazing passages.

A Temptation of Angels was absolutely gorgeous. The writing was gorgeous. The story was gorgeous. Which meant that there were so many passages to choose from.

In my review I chose one that was just hot enough to get your pule racing. Well this is the passage right before that one. And with all that it implies, it is rather full of promise. Oh yes, totally tantalizing. But that’s okay, because this is the teaser post after all….

There were just so many awesome, horrific, chilling, amazing passages in Fugitives. Which didn’t make choosing a passage easy. Not by a long shot.

But I happened to have two favorite non-spoiler-y ones. One I included with my review. And the other I’m keeping all to myself. Because I just couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by to include one of the more chilling passages instead.

The writing in Masque of the Red Death was beautiful and haunting. I could eat it up with a spoon it was so yummy. The words just melted, dissolved and became air that just drifted away.

I did include a favorite passage of mine with my review, but it wasn’t the only amazing passage in this book. There were still so many breathtaking passages to choose from that picking just one wasn’t easy. And I almost chose one that was a bit more revealing, but to keep the air of mystery I ultimately chose this one….

Oh, if I could quote ninety percent of this book I would. There were just so many seriously awesome passages to choose from in Insurgent. I had a hard enough time narrowing down my favorites for my review post, so I chose two. But that by no means implies that they were the only passages I loved.

And as I had just as difficult a time choosing one for this post, I caved and chose two more. What can I say? I love this book.

Besides, they’re both short. It’s not like I chose the passage that starts, “His mouth moves against mine….” Now, that would have been a longer, way more intense teaser.

And….

My most recent read is Darkness Before Dawn and so I haven’t chosen a favorite passage for my review just yet. Which means that I get to tease a passage here first, revealing one a little more tantalizing than I might otherwise include in my review.

And I just couldn’t resist teasing a little bit more from this same scene, just moments later….

***

Well, I suppose that’s all. Eight teased books are more than enough for just one post. Though I am so tempted to tease a couple passages from Embers & Echoes and Shadow Bound.

But as neither of these two books have been released, I figure the teasing can wait. Though it is so very, very tempting.

Below are the YA books coming out this week that I am spotlighting for my “Book Watch: Releasing This Week” post.

These are books for the week of May 1st-May 7th that I have pre-ordered.

***

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by New American Library (NAL), the print edition is 384 pages.

Black Dawn is the twelfth book in author Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires series.

***

I just keep falling farther and farther behind on this series! I think I have to have a Morganville Vampires readathon just to get caught up. I absolutely love this series and I keep buying all the books with the hope of reading them and yet I haven’t been able to. Must remedy that.

I miss Claire and Shane and Michael. And I want to head back to Morganville to find out what adventures they’ve been on, what enemies they’ve had to face and what has changed since I last visited.

Even though I’m not caught up on the series, I still can’t wait for Black Dawn to download to my Kindle on Monday Midnight. And yes, I did take a peek at the description. And yes, I think this one sounds amazing. It promises that “…intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense” will be taken to new heights. I’m already intrigued and I love all of those things.

I really hope to catch up on the series through this latest installment before the next book in the series, Bitter Blood, is released later this year.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in all formats.

Published by Simon Pulse, the print edition is 416 pages.

Shine is the third and final book in the Shade trilogy by author Jeri Smith-Ready.

***

I had the chance to read Shine just a little bit early and I tried. I really, really tried. But I’m absolutely terrified of how this series is going to end. Just having read the beginning had me all tied up in knots with worry.

I’m horrible at reading series ending books. I’m almost never ready to say goodbye to my favorite characters. And I really, really don’t want to say goodbye to Logan Keeley. Shine will be downloading to my Kindle and I hope to muster up the courage to read it shortly after release, but I may try to prolong the inevitable for just a bit longer.

Although I really want to find out about Aura’s past. I want to know more about the Shift. I want to see just what happens to Zach. And I want to find out just what the description means when it says that Aura will have to betray her own heart.

I have heard this book is absolutely amazing by everyone who’s read it. So, if I can prepare myself for heartbreak, tears and an exciting but incredibly nerve-wracking read, I will be adding Shine back onto the pile in May.

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 464 pages.

Sweet Evil is one of the books that can be chosen for the 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is one of my original picks.

***

I can’t believe it’s finally here! Sweet Evil will be releasing on Tuesday, which means I’ll have my eBook available to re-read on my Kindle on Monday Midnight. Though I really hope to receive my print copy on Tuesday, too.

Sweet Evil was my most anticipated 2012 debut and having read it (twice) and reviewed it, I already know just how awesome and well worth the wait it is. Anna Whitt and Kaidan Rowe are the characters to meet. She’s just so good and he’s just so very, very bad. And their story is wicked, addictive, exciting, nerve-wracking and riveting. All those things and so much more.

As I have already spotlighted Sweet Evil for my Book Watch post I won’t go on and on and on and on. Though I really, really want to. But I will just say that this story about children of the fallen is so very different and tantalizing and utterly fascinating. And I can’t wait to read it again.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, the print edition is 544 pages.

Insurgent is the second book in the Divergent series by author Veronica Roth. The third book in the series, as yet untitled, is slated for release in 2013.

***

I had the great fortune to read Insurgent just a bit early thanks to Jaime and Patricia of Two Chicks On Books, who loaned me their ARC. I’m still recovering. Still. And I will be for quite awhile.

I have the eBook pre-ordered to download from Amazon but I may have ordered a print copy to help free Four also. I guess I’ll find out on Tuesday.

This follow up is absolutely amazing. I don’t think the author could have done a better job building upon her characters and her world for this sequel. As I have already reviewed it, I won’t continue to ramble too much. But yes, war is looming as the description promises. Yes, it is a “thrill ride.” And yes, there are most definitely “heartbreaks” and “twists.” Oh those twists. They’re killer.

I can’t wait to re-read Insurgent when I get my finished copy. I’d love to sneak it in later this week if I can somehow find the time. Because I am not quite ready to say goodbye for another year until book three’s release.

Destined by Aprilynne Pike will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins, the print edition is 320 pages.

Destined is the fourth and final book in the Wings series by author Aprilynne Pike.

***

I hated saying goodbye to the Wings series by Aprilynne Pike. I hadn’t known that Destined was the last book in the series when I first added it to my reading pile. But I am happy to have the finished copy scheduled to download to my Kindle to join the first three books in the series this week. I just wish there were a few more books as I’m sad to see this series end.

This has been such a magical series. And Destined is no exception, though it was much more action-packed than the earlier books. Which I loved. I was fortunate to get an ARC through a trade, which I just had to read and review early because I just couldn’t wait to find out how this series ended.

As I have read it and can’t guess as to what might happen with Tamani, David and Laurel and just what Avalon’s fate is, since I already know what happened, I will simply reveal what I can about Destined….

It’s bittersweet. Definitely bittersweet. There is loss. There is heartbreak. There is action, action and so much more action. And there’s an ending that wraps things up without any real loose ends. I thought it ended perfectly. But tormenting? Oh yes. The entire read puts your emotions on one huge roller coaster. And the ending, well… I’ll leave that a mystery.

I agree with the description that it’s a “stunning conclusion” and I can’t wait to re-read this entire series in the near future.

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available online to pre-order in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Ace, the print edition is 336 pages.

Deadlocked is the twelfth book in the Southern Vampires series by author Charlaine Harris.

***

I’m sneaking in a non-YA title into the post because I am such a fan of this series, though I don’t always list my non-YA book purchases on the blog. But I am so excited this next book in the Southern Vampires series is releasing this week I just couldn’t help myself.

I will be reading Deadlocked on release day when it downloads to my eReader because I have to find out just what happens next with… you guessed it… Eric Northman. Especially since he seems to be in some trouble in this next installment with a body turning up in his yard.

I’m even more worried that Sookie and Bill seem to be teaming up to solve the crime. Very, very worried, actually.

I can’t wait to find out who Sookie’s newest enemy is, or if it’s an old enemy that’s come back into the picture. I can’t wait to see where things go with Sookie and Eric and I hope, hope, hope that nothing rekindles between her and Bill.

This series has gotten a bit darker with each book, so I can’t wait to find out if this one is even more grim. And I will most definitely be devouring it this week.

Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, the print edition is 400 pages.

***

I am so curious about this book. I first heard about Wanted when I was offered a copy in a trade. And even though I haven’t yet read the ARC, I still decided to pre-order it for my Kindle. Because it sounds awesome.

I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story about a teenage bookie. And I most certainly have not read one that has elements of a Robin Hood story thrown into the mix. I can’t wait to meet Michal, the bookie who goes against her better judgment and places a bet. A losing bet which pushes her to crime in order to repay it.

This book sounds dark, it sounds exciting, it sounds thrilling. And I can’t wait to check it out this month.

Revived by Cat Patrick will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in all formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, the print edition is 352 pages.

***

I received an early copy of Revived as a gift from another blogger. I thought I had all the time in the world to read it, but apparently I didn’t. I haven’t yet read it and with release date right around the corner I may end up reading the Kindle version I have pre-ordered instead.

I think this story sounds absolutely creepy, though I have a feeling it will also be quite thought provoking. A government manufacturing a drug that will bring people back from the dead is totally creepy and it gives me the chills. And just knowing that the main character, Daisy Appleby, has been Revived several times in the past few years makes me a little bit horrified for her.

I can’t wait to find out what the bigger picture is and whether morality will win out in the end. I’m not too hopeful, but I am curious. And I’m dying to find out just what will happen to Daisy who’s had to reinvent herself time and time again.

I really hope to read this in the coming weeks, though I haven’t decided whether or not to read the ARC or the finished copy.

***

Body & Soul (The Ghost and the Goth #3) by Stacey Kade

Pub. Date: May 1, 2012

Published by: Hyperion Books for Children

(Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore

Pub. Date: May 1, 2012

Published by: Dial

(Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

***

This is the second of three huge release weeks in a row. I don’t know how I’m going to make a dent in my TBR pile if I continue adding this many books each week. While I only have eight books pre-ordered, the two books of note I’ve mentioned in this post are books that I will be buying, I just haven’t pre-ordered them.

Fortunately I have read a few of the books releasing this week. The only problem is that while they’re not technically TBR, a couple of them are books I want to re-read. So that means the pile is still pretty high.

Maybe I should take a short break from making any new bookish purchases. Though I don’t think it’s a very realistic goal for me. I suppose I’ll just have to read faster….

***

As always, I would love to hear what you’re hoping to add to your collection this week!

And if you have any great suggestions of “must read” books to buy that are releasing this week, please let me know!

Destined by Aprilynne Pike will be released in the U.S. on May 1, 2012 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 320 pages.

Destined is the fourth and final book in the Wings series by author Aprilynne Pike.

*** Goodreads description is spoiler-y for earlier books in the series***

***

It has all come down to one final battle. A battle that will test everyone’s ability to remain strong against an enemy who is seemingly unstoppable.

One last chance to stand together to protect all of Avalon from the wrath of an enemy who knows no mercy. An enemy who will stop at nothing to win. And who will destroy everything and everyone who gets in their way.

As Laurel, Tamani, David and Chelsea prepare for the fight of their lives, they will discover an unlikely hero in their midst. Someone brave enough to take up arms and lead the charge. Someone who is willing to pay whatever price is required in order to defend Avalon against the onslaught of enemy forces. Someone who may not come through the battle unscathed.

Ill-prepared, up against the greatest threat Avalon ever faced and with the odds stacked against them, everyone will have to fight. Everyone will be in danger. And not everyone will survive.

***

Destined is the thrilling, action-packed, nail-biting and bittersweet conclusion to Aprilynne Pike’s Wings series. This gripping and tension-filled story will keep readers on edge as they follow Laurel on one final adventure through Avalon that will put her and her friends in more danger than they’ve ever been in before.

With a whirlwind pace, deadly threats at every turn, an intense battle whose outcome will determine Avalon’s fate and a choice that will break someone’s heart, this story will captivate, tease, torment, surprise and delight. And with each twist, the suspense will continue to build, all leading up to the stunning and dramatic series conclusion.

Not missing a beat, Destined picks up where Illusions left off and drops readers right into the heart of the action. As the enemy draws near, amassing forces that are hellbent on destroying Avalon, time is winding down for Laurel and Tamani to find a way to protect their home.

And when David and Chelsea insist on following their friends into Avalon and into battle, it is even more important than ever for Tamani and Laurel to keep the enemy at bay as it won’t just be Avalon and their own lives that hang in the balance, but their friends’ lives that will be at stake.

Aprilynne Pike has wrapped up this series in a way that is as exciting as it is heart-rending. Questions will be answered. Sides will be chosen. Lives will be lost. Hearts will be broken. And no one will walk away untouched.

The tension is palpable. The dangers are electrifying. And the quick pace and enchanting storyline are absolutely riveting. Making Destined an absolute must for readers who love stories of faeries, magical worlds, dangerous foes and deadly battles.

And for fans of the series, Destined will make them fall in love with the characters all over again and give them one last chance to say goodbye.

Reviewer gives this book…

On a personal note:

My heart was in the pit of my stomach for this entire read. This was a series that I absolutely fell in love with as a reader. It was fun, it was charming, it was delightful. I never wanted it to end. And when I found out that this was to be the series ending book, I was heartbroken.

I loved the magic of Avalon. I loved Laurel and Tamani. I even loved the love triangle. Though it killed me. I wanted their story to keep going. I wanted to continue on the adventure. And now that it’s over, I just miss all of them.

Destined was a book I wasn’t expecting to have to read quite so soon. And while I thought there was plenty more story left for the characters, I think the author did a beautiful job of wrapping it up.

This series finale was gripping, nail-biting and totally tension-filled. And to say it was action-packed would almost be an understatement. The action started at the first page and it continued for the entire read. There wasn’t a dull moment. The author made every one of those moments exciting.

Which I was so unbelievably happy about. Because a lull would have given me the time to remember that this book was the final one and it would have made it that much harder to finish.

Not one single page was wasted. This is not one of those series books that goes along as if it’s not the finale and then wraps things up in the last twenty or so pages. The story builds to its conclusion, resolving things along the way, so everything didn’t feel crammed in at the end.

While I would have loved to see more of certain characters who either weren’t in this book or had only a small part to play, the characters I most wanted to see were there. And while there was something left up in the air about one minor character, it was not key to the story.

Do I wish there were more slow and intense moments between Laurel and Tamani? Sure. Of course I do. Loved those moments. Do I wish there was another book to say goodbye to them all? Absolutely. It’s always so tough to say goodbye to characters I love.

But would I change a thing about this book? No way. I think it was wonderful and sweet and heartbreakingly sad, and I loved it all. Including the moments that tore at my heart. Including the moments where tears blurred my vision so much so that I couldn’t read. And including that surprise extra bit at the end.

***

I had quite a few favorite passages. One of them is in the Goodreads description and the rest of them are totally spoiler-y. So, I thought instead I’d share one that is a bit of a teaser yet doesn’t reveal too much… and no, I won’t reveal who it is.

Blackness descended around him. He had to get to her—he couldn’t live without her, didn’t know how. Didn’t know how to breathe in and out in a world she wasn’t a part of.

***

I know this is the trailer for Spells but it’s one of my favorite book trailers and it totally applies to Destined:

***

This review is based on an ARC I received through a trade.