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 July 5th-July 11th that I have pre-ordered.

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Sirensong, the third book in the Faeriewalker series by Jenna Black, will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011 in paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to pre-order online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in both formats. (Click here for the eBook format from B&N.)

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, the print edition is 320 pages.

I received a printed ARC from the publisher, read it awhile back and posted my review last week. But I’ve passed along the ARC and can’t wait to receive my finished copy, which I’ve had on pre-order for several months.

I really want to see if the ending is any different from the version I read, so I plan on taking a peek. I still have no idea if this is the final book in the series or if there are other books planned.

Sirensong is the third book in the Faeriewalker series. While it is not necessary to have read the first two books in the series, it is recommended that both books, plus the short novella, Remedial Magic, be read prior to reading Sirensong.

This series is so much fun, with an interesting twist on your typical faerie stories. The main character, Dana Hathaway is a faeriewalker – someone who can take technology into Faerie and bring magic out. In Sirensong, Dana finally leaves Avalon and goes into Faerie. And things, as expected, don’t quite go as smoothly as planned.

Each installment in the series is a quick read, a fun adventure, with a few steamy scenes, super cute boys, and one very dangerous and sexy leader of the Wild Hunt – Arawn, the Erlking. (My favorite male character in the series.)

As I’ve already read this book I won’t say that I can’t wait to read it. But I will say that I can’t wait to get my eBook pre-order downloaded so that I can have this one in my permanent collection. And I would love to get a printed and personally signed finished copy to go with the other two in my collection, as I have major cover love for all the books in this series.

To read an excerpt of Chapter One from the author’s website, CLICK HERE.

Hammered, the third book in The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011 in mass market paperback, eBook and audio formats. It is currently available to pre-order online in all formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (Click here for the audiobook from B&N.)

Published by Del Rey, the print edition is 336 pages.

I still have not yet read the first two books in the series, but I hadn’t planned on reading them until I had all three in my collection. Well, apparently there are now at least three more books planned in the series, so I better get reading soon.

I pre-ordered this book, along with the first two books in the series, and release date is finally here for book three. Hammered sounds every bit as action-packed and exciting as the previous two books. This installment involves a Viking vampire seeking revenge against a Norse god. He asks for help from Atticus, and they, along with some pretty awesome paranormals, head off to do battle.

I absolutely love the large cast of characters in each book in the series. And I am dying to find out what I’ve been missing. Since the next few weeks are a little slower for new releases, I am really hoping to get started, if not finished, with this exciting series.

Original Sin, the second book in the Personal Demons series by Lisa Desrochers, will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011 in paperback, eBook and audio formats. It is currently available online to pre-order from Amazon and Barnes & Noble in all formats.

Published by Tor Teen, the print edition is 400 pages.

I received a signed ARC from a contest I won on the author’s website a few months ago. I read it immediately. I completely devoured and loved it. It was a D.E.A.R. book. (Drop Everything And Read.)

But I had no intention of writing my review at the time, which is why I’m re-reading it now. I read it strictly for pleasure and it was worth every delicious moment. And I can’t say I’m complaining about reading it again, as it’s every bit as good as I remembered.

I’ve had Original Sin pre-ordered since the day it became available for the Kindle. I had fallen in love with Luc the moment I met him in Personal Demons and I knew I had to get my hands on this next book as soon as I possibly could.

As my review will be up in the next day or two, I will not go into too much detail here, but for fans of this series, this is not a book to miss. There are some pretty h.o.t. scenes, and for readers looking for their Luc fix they will not be disappointed. Although, those on Team Gabe may miss their angelic hero a bit.

If you are new to the series, be sure to check out Personal Demons and pick a team. And if you think it’s tough to make a choice between Luc and Gabe, don’t worry. It’s just as difficult for Frannie.

Original Sin is definitely a book to be added to any TBR pile.

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I am stunned. Shocked. I sit in disbelief. I only have three books pre-ordered for this week. My wallet walked up and hugged me. Hugged me. I am sure I must be missing something, though I checked the Simon & Schuster and Harper catalogs just to be sure and I don’t see anything.

I am happy and sad all at once.

Happy because there will be one less week of books I’m buying that will sit too long on my TBR pile. I’ve already read two of the three books I’m purchasing, so TBR they are not, though they will likely be re-read one day soon.

Sad because it means that there are fewer new books coming out. I always want tons of new books to be released even if it means my wallet and my TBR pile suffer.

I blame the holiday weekend in the U.S. It’s why there aren’t really any movies releasing either. But I think I can squeak by with only three new books being added to my collection.

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!

Sirensong by Jenna Black is the third book in the Faeriewalker series. It will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011 in paperback and eBook formats.

It is currently available to pre-order online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in both formats. (At B&N, the eBook is separately available here.)

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, the print edition is 320 pages.

***Goodreads description is spoiler-y***

The last place Dana Hathaway ever imagined she’d have to go was Faerie. With both Queens of Faerie trying to kill her, she never thought her father would accept an invitation to visit Queen Titania of the Seelie Court.

Being presented at Court is supposed to be an honor, but when you are a Faeriewalker, like she is, the reason for the invitation is definitely suspect. And although they were promised safe passage and an escort, including Prince Henry himself and his Knights, traveling through Faerie is not likely to be as easy as everyone seems to believe.

As much as Dana would prefer to leave her friends behind, to keep them safe from harm, knowing that they’d be coming with her makes this perilous journey somewhat less frightening. And even though she and Ethan are even more at risk due to the Erlking’s influence in Faerie, just having him there with her makes her feel more secure.

But when a surprise attack nearly costs Dana her life and the life of her friends, the feeling of foreboding she has gets stronger. If the Queen’s promise of safety can’t even protect her son and his entourage, how can she possibly think she’ll make it to the Seelie Court, let alone make it back to Avalon, with her life, and her secrets, intact.

If Dana can’t figure out how to protect herself from the politics of Faerie and keep her friends out of harm’s way, none of them may ever see Avalon again. And if she can’t keep her distance from the Erlking, she may become the Wild Hunt’s next rider.

And she thought things in Avalon were complicated.

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Sirensong, the third book in the Faeriewalker series, takes readers on another exciting adventure with Dana Hathaway – this time leaving the relative safety of Avalon for the significantly more dangerous world of Faerie.

The story picks up just shortly after everything that transpired with the Erlking and the Wild Hunt in Shadowspell. Dana is still living in her safe house, continuing to train with Keane and trying to figure out a way out of the bargain she made with the Erlking.

As she heads off to Faerie with her father and her friends, Dana is still keeping secrets about just what happened with the Erlking, secrets that may put more than just her friendships on the line. And leaving behind her alcoholic mother, who refuses to even admit she has a problem, makes Dana even more worried about what she’ll be returning home to, if she is even allowed to return.

Sirensong is a bewitching story of Faerie magic, heroism, bravery, love and friendship. As Dana tries to navigate the complex landscape of Faerie, she learns more about the power of honesty, about who she is, what she is capable of, and the importance of friendship.

Jenna Black has written yet another charming and completely captivating story in the series. There are a few surprises, someone new to keep an eye on, and a slightly darker turn for one of the character. And although this installment may not have quite as steamy a scene as there was in Shadowspell, there is just as much tension and a few heart-racing moments that will entice.

This book is a must read for fans of the series and for readers who enjoy an enchanting adventure through the magical world of Faerie, with a bit of a mystery to piece together, a few ulterior motives to uncover, and a heroine who is brave, incredibly determined, and who has some pretty cool powers.

Reviewer gives this book ★★★★★

On a personal note:

This series is such a yummy distraction from reality. I absolutely love the author’s writing style. It’s so easy to caught up in the adventure. And this one is definitely an adventure.

Finally Dana gets to go into Faerie. I couldn’t wait to see how the author treated this magical place. And although I didn’t get to see a lot of Faerie I loved her take and was completely sucked into the journey – Green Ladies, Brownies, Bogles and all.

The author does a great job at the beginning of filling in all the pieces, so that you technically don’t have to read the first couple of books in order to read this one, but I still wouldn’t recommend skipping them. As much as you can get caught up with the story, you won’t have developed your connection with the characters. And you won’t really know Ethan, Keane or Kimber enough understand why they react as they do.

If you’re reading all three books in one sitting, the rehash may slow the pace, which doesn’t really pick up steam until they leave for Faerie, but if it’s been awhile between books it is super helpful.

Once Dana arrived in Faerie I was not able to put the book down. And between her practice fights with Keane and how Ethan dealt with his jealousy, there were some seriously entertaining and laugh out loud moments.

After Shadowspell, the Erlking, also known as Arawn, was my second favorite character, but now I think he’s my favorite. I still love Dana, but the flawed half-mortal that she is, is really no competition for the age-old leader of the Wild Hunt. He’s conniving, he’s gorgeous, he’s wicked cool and he seems absolutely intrigued by Dana. Maybe even a little frightened of her, though he’d never admit it.

Dana is still lovable, with her sarcasm, lack of interest in all things girlie, and her tough and determined streak. And I like that she seems to be getting more of a dark side – maybe it’s her faerie half shining through. I’m interested to see where that might lead, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a fourth book.

But as this story wraps up without a cliffhanger, I’m now terrified to think that there might not be a book four. I still think there are more adventures to be had with more story left to tell, I just hope the author does too.

So, in order to keep my hope alive, I’ll just say I can’t wait to read the next book in the Faeriewalker series.

And yes, I realize that Dana and the Erlking would probably not be the best couple – she’s young and he’s ancient – but still, their personalities make them a great match.

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To read an excerpt for Chapter One on the author’s website, CLICK HERE.

If you’d like to check out my review for Glimmerglass, click here, Remedial Magic, click here, or Shadowspell, click here. (Yeah, I love this series!)

This review is based on an ARC received by the publisher.

Back with another “Extras” post. As some of you may already know…

Whenever I find either a legal free download, an excerpt or sneak peek of a book online, I try to link to it in a related post or include the link in my sidebar (to your right).

But once a month I’ll pop them into a post for a “one-stop shop” with a brief description. You may have previously seen some of these in my sidebar and one or two may still be lingering, well here they are once more in case you missed them. (My sidebar tends to have a LOT of info.)

We have a few peeks at upcoming releases, just released books and some of them are just items that have been offered for free for awhile but you might have missed.

And yes, I know it’s not July yet, but it’s a monthly post that I do around this time each month in anticipation.

Sirensong by Jenna Black will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011.

This is a fun and completely delightful series to read. Sirensong is the third book in the series and it continues Dana Hathaway’s adventures and this time she’s headed into Faerie.

The author is giving readers a look at Chapter One on her website, HERE

Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series the first chapter isn’t super spoiler-y.

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers will be released in the U.S. on July 5, 2011.

This is the second book in the Personal Demons series. This is a book and series not to be missed. I have read both books in the series so I will give nothing away, but these books are definitely smoking hot.

Tor.com is giving registered readers a peek inside, HERE.

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore will be released in the U.S. on July 12, 2011.

I think this cover and the font and the title are so amazing. I love this author’s writing style and I’m dying to read this book.

The main character, Amy Goodnight, comes from a family of witches. She has to spend her summer on the Goodnight Ranch where there are apparently ghosts, a “hot neighbor cowboy” and a bunch of bodies turning up. Definitely not an idea summer vacation.

The publisher, Random House,  is offering a short excerpt on their website, HERE.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater will be released in the U.S. on July 12, 2011.

It is the third book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. There is just something so addictive about this series and so amazing about the author’s writing style.

For each of the past two books I was completely entranced by the writing and the story. I suspect there was magic involved.

Maggie Stiefvater reads an excerpt from Forever:

Wildcat Fireflies is the second book in the Meridian series by author Amber Kizer. It will be released in the U.S. on July 12, 2011.

It’s been awhile but the sequel is finally coming out! I loved the idea of beings called Fenestras and I was completely hooked when I first read the book. Then I found out it would be ages before the sequel. I think I cried a little bit.

Wildcat Fireflies continues the story as Meridian and Tens search the country for other Fenestras. And there may be trouble in paradise for the two of them. But with less than a month until release the wait is almost over.

And an excerpt is available on the book’s website, HERE.

Wildefire by Karsten Knight will be released in the U.S. on July 26, 2011.

Anyone who has ever stopped by the blog knows what a huge fan I am of this book and the author. It is an amazing debut and I don’t think you’ll find one quite like it.

If you have any doubts just check out the super long look inside the publisher is offering.

Check out Wildefire courtesy of Simon & Schuster, HERE.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer will be released in the U.S. on July 26, 2011.

If you haven’t read Nightshade by now, what are you waiting for? Wolfsbane is almost here. And if you haven’t yet, it’s time to choose sides – Team Ren or Team Shay?

If you’re still undecided you should definitely check out the book’s website. There is an excerpt for Nightshade there too.

An excerpt from Chapter One of Wolfsbane is available from the book’s website, HERE.

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And for one more chance to take a peek, here are a few books that are available now.

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike, Divergent by Veronica Roth, Die for Me by Amy Plum, Hereafter by Tara Hudson, Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, Vampire Kisses 8: Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber and Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison

Discovering this link was like a gold mine. I wish I had discovered it before I read most of the above books. But I own them all now, so I don’t need the look inside, but if you haven’t read them, be sure to check it out.

The Dark Days of the Supernatural and HarperTeen are offering chapter excerpts for their seven books, HERE.

Summer’s Crossing by Julie Kagawa is a free eBook novella in the Iron Fey series. It was released on June 1, 2011 in the U.S.

The Iron Fey series is absolutely charming and delightful. I cannot wait for The Iron Knight to be released and I’m so glad that the author has released another novella in the series to help bridge the gap between her next book’s release date.

I haven’t yet read it, but I believe Summer’s Crossing is told from Puck’s point of view. I did grab it before it was a freebie on Amazon, but also managed to snag the free version for my nook. I plan on reading it in the next couple of weeks as I just love the easy flow of the author’s writing.

It’s actually available for download from three sites – Harlequin, CLICK HERE, Barnes & Noble, CLICK HERE and Amazon, CLICK HERE.

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski was released on June 7, 2011.

This contemporary novel by author Sarah Mlynowski sounds like it will be a really fun read. I own a copy but haven’t yet read it. I’m just hoping it’s more sweet than bittersweet. And I haven’t checked out the sneak peek, but the publisher is giving readers another long look.

HarperTeen is giving readers a long look inside, HERE.

The Ivy: Secrets by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur was released on May 31, 2011.

I have been trying to find the time to read the first book in the series so I can read this one immediately afterward. The Ivy sounds like a great series to read, and if you have read the first book but not the second, this sneak peek should give you a good look at what you can expect from this book.

I have not taken a look as I don’t want to risk any spoilers for book one.

HarperTeen is giving readers another long look inside, HERE.

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan’s Diaries Vol. 3 – The Craving was released in the U.S. on May 3, 2011.

I love L.J. Smith’s Vampire Diaries series. I haven’t yet read Midnight, but I did buy all of the books in this off-shoot series that ties in with the television show, because I love that too. This is the third book in the Stefan’s Diaries series of books so if you haven’t had a chance to read the first one, you may want to skip the peek.

However, if you check out HarperTeen’s “browse inside” feature, they do offer a number of peeks at various different Vampire Diaries books.

A look inside of The Craving is available from the publisher, HarperCollins, HERE.

Virtue by Amanda Hocking was released on May 27, 2011 in the U.S.

I downloaded the book the moment it was released but have not had a chance to read it. This story is a young adult fairytale and it promises a battle between good and evil.

I love the author’s writing and can’t wait to read her latest book which includes goblins, demon dogs and sea dragons. Sounds pretty epic to me.

You can check it out on Virtue’s blog, HERE.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready was released in the U.S. on May 4, 2010.

Shade is the first book in the series and the sequel, Shift, was released in May of this year. Both books are amazing, but Shade is still my favorite of the two. That ending is killer.

It is set in a world where a shift has taken place and those born after the shift have the ability to see shades. But there is an amazing love story, a bit of a love triangle, and a whole lot of heartbreak.

If you haven’t had a chance to read this series, check out the long look at the first 99 pages of Shade that Simon & Schuster is offering HERE.

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These are all great books and I hope you get a chance to read them. But it’s even nicer to get a long look inside before making the commitment. Happy reading!

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 month.

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I know I had this quote in my review, but looking back over the book, with all its amazing passages and quotes, this one is still my favorite.

I cannot stop laughing just picturing this. Any book that can infuse humor into a love story has got my vote.

In this story filled with so many humorous passages, I just had to choose the one that was all warm and fuzzy.

No, it’s not sappy, not even close, and any girl would die for a pickup line like this one.

(As this passage was taken from an ARC the final version may differ. I hope it doesn’t. I really, really hope it doesn’t, but if it does I will be sure to make the change.)

I loved the author’s writing in this book. I think there are so many beautiful passages. The way she expresses the character’s thoughts and feelings is just so eloquent.

Most of the passages I would have chosen gave too much away, but I found one that I loved and which also gives some insight into who Maddie is.

I just love books with passages that leave me breathless. This is one of those books and one of those passages. I don’t think I need to say more, it speaks for itself.

Everything about this book is graceful and so beautifully written. Instead of giving a peek into Finley Jayne’s thoughts, I thought I’d give a taste of just what Griffin thought as he gazed at Finley.

Talk about romantic – in a crowded room he just knew she was there and was drawn to her. Swoon, swoon.

This just proves that chivalry is not dead….Well, at least not in fiction. And most definitely not for a knight.

This book is filled with some wonderfully, deliciously torturous passages that will play wicked games with your heart. Here is just a fraction of one of them.

No one but Jenna Black has ever made the leader of the Wild Hunt so appealing. At least no one I’ve read. Even though he’s way too old for Dana, how can he not be the most intriguing character in the series with passages like this one?

(As this passage was taken from an ARC the final version may differ. If it does I will update the post.)

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I debated long and hard about including a passage from If I Die by Rachel Vincent. I even have it picked out. It is absolutely delectable. It teases, oh how it teases, but it doesn’t reveal anything. But as the book is so far from release date I thought it would be cruel. But there are definite “to die for” passages in that book. Be prepared.

I received an ARC of Sirensong by Jenna Black from the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, along with a paperback finished copy of the second book in the Faeriewalker series, Shadowspell.

Sirensong comes out on July 5, 2011 in the U.S.

As I have read the book and will be writing  up my review this week, I am giving this review copy to another reviewer along with an unread paperback copy of Shadowspell plus random signed and unsigned swag.

All details for the giveaway are below.

So as with my other ARC giveaways, to honor the spirit and purpose of the ARC, this one is only for readers who will be willing to review it. You don’t need a blog. Goodreads or LibraryThing or other review site will be fine, but in order to be eligible to win this book your past reviews must be fairly thorough.

And if you don’t want the finished copy of Shadowspell, please let me know and I’ll pass that along to someone who does.

What’s up for grabs: A gently used ARC of Sirensong, an unread copy of Shadowspell, and random signed and unsigned swag.

The deets:

1. One entry per person.

2. You must be 13 or older.

3. Giveaway is International – as long as you reside in a country where the book will be received prior to release date.

4. You agree to review the book on or before around release date. As it’s so close to release date I decided to give an extra couple of weeks. (I will be checking – and maybe discovering a really cool new blog. If you don’t post a review, you will no longer be eligible for future ARC giveaways.)

5. You must have a blog or a place where you will post your review, such as Goodreads, LibraryThing, etc. and your past reviews must be fairly thorough.

6. Your review does not have to be positive. It just needs to be an honest one. And if you are on Goodreads, please add the book to your “to read” list.

7. Giveaway ends June 12th at Midnight. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on June 13th.

There is no requirement to like or follow. But following the blog is always appreciated and spreading the word to other reviewers who might be interested would be awesome!

To enter, fill out the form below:

Thank you to everyone who has entered the Sirensong ARC contest. The Contest is now closed. I will be running the names through Random.org and will post the winner’s name here on the blog.

The winner will have 48 hours from notification in which to send me their details or I will be forced to choose another winner.

And the winner is….

Congratulations Looksie Lovitz! I’ve sent you an email to request your details. All books and swag will go out via US Mail once I receive your information.

Thanks again to everyone for entering the giveaway. I have another ARC giveaway going on right now if you’d like to enter that one and will be having another one soon for an ARC of Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.