Starling by Lesley Livingston was released in the U.S. on August 28, 2012 in hardcover, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in all formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by HarperTeen, the print edition is 352 pages.

Starling is the first book in a new series of the same name by the author.

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STARLING is an exciting and action-packed adventure, with a fierce heroine, an even fiercer hero, shocking twists and turns and an ending that will make you desperate to get your hands on the next book in the series.

The story instantly pulls you in, introduces you to the world and nearly tears it apart, all within the first few pages. It’s fast-paced, it’s wildly entertaining, it’s got more than a little sizzle, and it will be impossible to put down until you’ve met every deadly threat and witnessed every intense battle.

I know I was riveted. Right from the start. All through the middle. To the very last word.

STARLING was everything I hoped it would be and then some. It was just as captivating and magical as the author’s Wondrous Strange series. The characters were just as engaging. And it was just so easy to get lost in the story, get tangled up in Mason Starling’s world which was turned completely upside down the moment the Fennrys Wolf crashed into her life.

Literally. Without a stitch of clothing on. Not. One. Stitch. And boy does he make a lasting first impression. Of course I’m talking about his ability to handle a sword, slay horrifying creatures and protect a group of otherwise helpless students and one ex-military fencing instructor. What did you think I meant?

I fell right back into Lesley Livingston’s version of New York City with its otherworldly beings plotting and scheming and biding their time waiting to break through and take over. And even though some time had passed since I’d last visited this world she created, I was immediately ensnared.

I was excited to meet this new character, Mason, discover the world through her eyes, and see just what role she would play. I was even more thrilled about seeing the Fennrys Wolf again, as he was one of my favorite characters in the author’s other series. The fact that he was to be a more central character to the story was what drew me to STARLING in the first place.

While it typically takes me quite some time to warm up to new characters an author creates, that was not the case with STARLING. I instantly liked Mason. She was competitive, more than a little bit fierce and was someone who was willing to go out on a limb for someone else. That she chose to take a chance on Fenn made her that much more endearing.

Lesley Livingston’s new series is incredibly addictive. Having just the one book to read won’t be enough. With all the secrets and lies it’s impossible to know who to trust. And with the mystery surrounding the Fennrys Wolf’s amnesia, even he can’t be trusted. Though you really want to trust him.

Filled with nail-biting chases and battles throughout the city, sword-fighting practices that sizzle, intriguing mythology that will make you want to know more, dark secrets that will leave you anxious for the safety of the characters you connect with, and an ending that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat, STARLING is the start of a series not to be missed.

And if I had to pinpoint just a few highlights from this book that stood out, aside from the very charismatic, sarcastic and egotistical Fennrys Wolf, aside from the rather chilling Norse mythology that plays a huge role in this story, aside from the intense battles, electrifying chemistry and the dark twists and turns the story takes before it reaches its end, I would have to say the easy flow to the author’s writing, the darkly enchanting and magical world she built, the well-developed and compelling characters she created, and the cliff she leaves you stranded on.

Reviewer gives this book…

Favorite passage:

Just about every passage that involved the Fennrys Wolf was a favorite, which made it really hard to choose. And while Fenn’s introduction to the story is one that is at the top of the list, it is just a bit too long to include here.

So I chose one that doesn’t give away too much, yet reveals quite a bit about Fenn, and makes me grin every single time I read it.

“I’m scared, Fenn.”

“I know, Mase,” he said quietly. “Would it help at all if I told you I was scared too?”

She twisted around and looked up at him. “No,” she said seriously. “Not even a little bit.”

“Good. ‘Cause I’m not.” He grinned. “Not even a little bit.”

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Book trailer:

I happen to be a huge fan of book trailers. And this one is seriously wicked awesome. Sword-fighting. Kissing. And the Fennrys Wolf. Doesn’t get much better than that.

This time on Book Buzz, I decided to do a “Where are they now?” post for a book that was released just over six months ago and is at the midpoint between the first book’s release and the second.

If it’s still on your TBR pile you should check it out, so you can see for yourself whether this is a book to be buzzed about and whether it’s time to start buzzing about book two, due out in February.

The Book:

A Touch Mortal is a paranormal/urban fantasy young adult novel written by Leah Clifford. It was released on February 22, 2011.

Loved it or Hated it?

Loved it. Deeply, darkly and intensely. Possibly verging on book obsession. The cover caught my eye. The description drew me in. Life and death. Heaven and Hell. Darkness. Betrayal. Cliffhanger. Hit all the right notes. Loved it so much it turned me into an official book stalker.

The Early Buzz:

I wasn’t a super early buzzer, but I joined the buzz well before this book’s release.

First came the cover buzz. Everyone was talking about how riveting and utterly captivating it was. From the pink highlights to the single, focused, bright blue eye, everyone wanted to know more about this girl and who she was in this upcoming debut novel.

Then it turned to intrigue about the description. Talk about a brilliantly written description. Anyone who’d seen it couldn’t help but fall victim to its lure. Fallen angel? Check. A deadly power? Check. A dark future for the main character? Double, triple check.

Just these two simple items were enough to whip up the frenzy for this book. Add to this the author’s presence on YouTube, Twitter, on her blog and around the web and the frenzy would not die down.

Fizzle or Sizzle:

The majority say “SIZZLE” but the readers are divided. And this time it’s into three groups: Those who loved it from beginning to end; those who loved the second half; and, those who just didn’t love it.

The Goodreads average comes in at 3.5 and Amazon’s at 4 (since they don’t round). But according to Goodreads’ rating details, over fifty percent of the readers who rated the book gave it four or five stars.

Sizzle Buzz

Phenomenal. Dark and twisty. Original. Fantastic characters. Heartbreaking. Fast-paced. Killer ending.

Fizzle Buzz

Character disconnect. Complicated opening. Insta-love. Confusing first half. F-bombs. Suicide.

What Happened?

At the six month mark this book is still being talked about. The chatter really never died down completely. From the author’s constant online presence to word of mouth, loved or hated, this book is still part of the chatter and continues to make its way into the readers hands even if it can’t be found on every store’s bookshelf.

New readers are just as divided as those who grabbed it on or around release date, but there are new readers. With such a wild swing between those who gush and those who don’t, there are readers who aren’t relying on the ratings and/or reviews and are opting to make the choice for themselves.

And as we’re at the midpoint between the first book and the second, the buzz is getting louder from those in the majority who said it sizzled. And once again the cover reveal got people talking. No longer is the cover model facing forward, no longer are the highlights pink. What does it all mean?

What’s Left to Buzz About?

The ending. The overwhelming majority of readers have said the action really picks up in the second half of the book and continues to build. Right up to that unbelievable ending. The ending that left everything in uncertainty. The ending that left readers speechless, shocked and in dread of what might happen next. There is just no way to avoid buzzing about a book with an ending like this one.

The possibilities. With such a complex world that author Leah Clifford created, the door was left wide open for speculation and seemingly endless possibilities for the characters’ futures and the plot’s development. And with so many directions this story could take, it’s really no surprise the buzz goes on.

The characters. Every single one of the main characters has a very distinct personality. Even though the story’s premise was the initial draw for readers, it’s the characters that made them read on. From the darkness in each of them, to their abilities, their flaws and their charms, or lack thereof, each one of these characters is undeniably memorable.

The sequel. Whenever a book is written as part of a series and it contains a nice little cliff to hang from, it is inevitable that the sequel will be buzzed about. And the closer it gets to release date for that next book, the louder the chatter will be, as the excitement over finally getting answers becomes more than a distant hope.

Buzzworthy?

Most definitely. Having such a large chasm between supporters and detractors alone would make this book buzzworthy. Add in a potentially controversial subject (suicide), and the 67 F-bombs that were dropped, and no matter whether you’re a fan or part of the opposition, there’s a lot to talk about.

Buzz factors – Not one, but two, strong female characters, a dark premise, a shocking betrayal, a twisty-turny plot, a love story, a cliffhanger ending that borders on cruelty to readers, and some unusual but wicked cool powers. Heck yeah, there’s enough to keep this buzz going well beyond the second books’ release.

What do I say?

Fan-freaking-tastically cool.

Every single sentence in the description grabbed hold of me. I just knew that this would be my kind of book. And I was forever ensnared from the moment that Eden said goodbye to happily-ever-after.

As much as I like my books warm and fuzzy and filled with sunshine, I find that I really connect to, and fall in love that much more deeply with, books with a bit of an edge. And there were all sorts of edges in A Touch Mortal.  Sharp ones at that.

I instantly fell in love with Az and Kristen, and even Gabe. My connection to Eden took just a little while longer. But it was after I finished reading it the first time that I started falling for Luke. And the more time I spend with this book, the more of a connection I feel to him.

Yes, this is one of my favorite 2011 debuts. My love for this book went so far beyond cover love that as gorgeous as it is, it doesn’t hold a candle to what’s between the covers. I did manage to read this book three times so far, so yeah, I love this book.

And with everything this story had to offer, I found that I did not walk away unscathed. I will be forever stalking each new book’s release in this series and hoping for more than just a trilogy.

Will this book be one for everyone? No. But most books aren’t. And this one isn’t trying to be. Not everyone will feel that same connection to the characters that I do. But there are those that will.

Not everyone will feel comfortable with the amount of language liberally peppered throughout this story. I actually hadn’t really noticed until it was pointed out to me.

And still others may feel that the way suicide is incorporated into this story is not something they want to read about. And they have every right not to.

But if you really want to know just what I thought, here’s my review for A Touch Mortal.

Buy it, borrow it, pass on it?

For this book, I say it depends.

If you love dark stories, complex plots, seriously cool abilities, strong female main characters, heartbreak, brilliant writing and a world unlike any other you’ve experienced, then I say “BUY IT.”

If you don’t like violence, are squeamish about talk of suicide and death, hate cliffhanger endings, think that the number of profanities was too over the top for you to get past, then either “BORROW IT” if you think it’s still worth a try, or “PASS ON IT.” Because even with countless glowing reviews, if these are things that will take away from your reading experience, then it might be best just to take a pass.

But what do you think?

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Any item related to this book is up for discussion. Just because I haven’t mentioned it here doesn’t mean you can’t bring it up in the comments.

And feel free to discuss any points of interest from reviews that you’ve seen and would like to talk about. But please talk about them in general terms and don’t point out specific reviews unless they are my reviews or your own.

Born at Midnight is author C.C. Hunter’s debut Young Adult novel. It will be released in the U.S. on March 29, 2011 and is available online for pre-order at Amazon in paperback and eBook formats and as a paperback at Barnes & Noble.

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, the print edition is 416 pages.

Born at Midnight is one of the books that can be chosen for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at TheStorySiren.com.

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I know I’ve already read and reviewed this book, but this is definitely a book to look for on March 29th and so I’ve chosen it for this week’s “Book Watch” post. Although I had a review copy of this book, I have this on pre-order so I can have the final version for my eBook collection.

This is the first book in a new series, so there will be a lot of adventures to come and mysteries to solve. Each chapter ends with a mini cliffhanger so you have to keep flipping those pages or you will be left hanging.

As this takes place, for the most part, at a paranormal camp, there are a wide variety of paranormal characters with differing abilities. And as there are two love interests, you will have to choose which boy is right for Kylie. I’m definitely thinking Lucas, but who knows what will happen in book two.

I love the cover for this book. It’s dark, mysterious, beautiful and purple.

The second book in the series, Awake at Dawn, will be out in October, so the wait won’t be too long. And a prequel novella, Turned at Dark, will be released before Born at Midnight, on March 15th. (This may be a new release date for the novella.)

I am definitely looking forward to reading the final version when it comes out at the end of the month.

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Check out the author’s website for news and extras – HERE.

If you’d like to read my review, click here.

Book trailer for Born at Midnight:

Faustine is the first book in a new series, the Bonfire Chronicles, by author Imogen Rose. It was released at Amazon on February 27th and Barnes & Noble on the 28th in eBook format.

Faustine Spencer may seem like every other Upper East Side socialite. She grew up with all the privileges that wealth affords – a nanny, doormen, car service, access to all the latest fashions and the opportunity to attend an exclusive boarding school.

But Bonfire Academy isn’t just your typical Swiss preparatory school where the well-to-do leave their children to a life of study, skiing and partying. And Faustine’s attendance isn’t optional.

At the age of fifteen, after three years apart from her family, learning everything she could from the Academy, she is allowed to return home to New York to her mother. Faustine just wants to pick up where she left off with her normal teenage lifestyle of school, shopping and hanging out with her best friend, Neave. But her return is conditional and failure to comply will have consequences.

Bonfire Academy has only three rules. One, you do not talk about the Academy. Two, you trust no one. And three, the most important of them all – never miss a meal.

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Faustine is an elaborate, fast-paced paranormal mystery with a multitude of suspects and a “to be continued” ending. The story has a number of twists and turns and just when you think you’ve identified whodunit, think again.

While this book is just over three hundred pages, there is so much going on that it becomes difficult at times to keep up with what the many characters are up to, where they stand in the scheme of things, who they are and what Faustine’s opinion is of them.

There are an overwhelming number of key characters in this book, and with almost everyone a suspect with something to hide, and no one for Faustine to truly trust, the mystery becomes a bit muddled, as there just isn’t enough time to fully develop their characters and motivations. As the story continues there are more and more elements added into this mystery, more secret relationships discovered and more paranormal abilities attributed to each character than were initially known.

The action is virtually non-stop, so when the pace does slow to include some of the more normal events like attending school, relaxing or watching television, it doesn’t flow naturally. Even the relationship between Ryker and Faustine feels somewhat forced and in this book in the series no real explanation is given as to why the two who virtually had no contact in the three years they attended school are now an instant couple.

The complexities and pace aside, author Imogen Rose has created an engaging story with a slew of interesting characters. The author’s writing does flow, with brief touches of humor added in, and will keep you connected with the main character and the story as it progresses.

There are many characters still to meet, heredities to be determined, alliances to be uncovered and bad guys still to be caught.

And for those who haven’t yet read this book, you’ll soon find out just who Faustine really is.

Reviewer gives this book ★★★★★

On a personal note:

This is the first book I’ve read from author Imogen Rose. I own the first book in the Portal Chronicles but it is currently in my TBR pile. I’ve heard wonderful things about the series and the author so was excited to read this book.

It’s been difficult to write this review and even harder to write my personal opinion without giving away any spoilers, especially with the book teasing, “Who is Faustine?”

So, I’m trying to be as careful as possible, and if I’m vague it’s on purpose.

What I can say is that there is a lot that I liked about this story and some things I didn’t.

This was definitely an evenly balanced story of mystery and paranormal, which I liked.

Ryker is my favorite character. He’s very likable, helpful, supportive and oh so mysterious. Do I like him? Yes. Do I trust him? Not quite yet. We’ll see in the next book. But then again, I think no one is truly trustworthy in Faustine.

I also enjoyed that there were so many different characters with differing paranormal abilities and personalities. But with all the complex plot developments and changes, I would have liked to have seen more character development to go along with it. And I would have liked to see more development in the Faustine-Ryker relationship as they got very comfortable with one another very quickly when they had almost no interaction or dialogue in this book.

There were a lot of “surprise” revelations, which I didn’t like too much. There were times when some new piece of information was revealed that didn’t really have any build-up. It sort of came out of left-field but not in a shockingly surprising way, but more as if it was just thrown in to create a distraction or as a last-minute add-on.

I loved the elements of humor. I liked that Faustine was so temperamental, especially when she didn’t get her steak.

And I really do want to find out more, in the next book, about Taylor, Neave, Finch, Tessa, the twins, Audrey and Viola, Ryker, Faustine, and especially Faustine’s elusive sister, Kismet.

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To learn more about the Bonfire Chronicles from the author’s website, click here.

Book trailer for Faustine:

Thank you to author Imogen Rose for the eARC for review.

A Touch Mortal is the debut novel for author Leah Clifford. It was released in the U.S. on February 22, 2011 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in both formats.

Published by Greenwillow Books, the hardcover edition is 432 pages.

A Touch Mortal is one of the books that can be chosen for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi at TheStorySiren.com and was the my second pick for the DAC.

Mortals have a path. Their lives have a set direction that they follow. But there are those who don’t. The pathless. The Siders. They begin to fade from the minds of everyone they’ve known and when they choose to end their existence they don’t simply die.

Instead of death, they are fated to wander the earth carrying Touch. Forced to release it before the pain becomes too much to handle. Passing it to mortals who may end their lives because of its effect.

There are Siders that do not care, even take pleasure in the fact that they are harming others. But there are those that don’t want to pay this price for immortality. With no way to stop their suffering, every day is a nightmare.

That is until the day that Eden meets Az and her fate becomes intertwined with theirs, offering them an escape from an eternity of agony, guilt and sorrow.

But falling in love with an angel who is no longer bound to Heaven and forever at risk of becoming one of the Fallen puts her in danger in ways she can’t even imagine.

Will Eden’s love be enough for Az to fight the temptation or will the urge to fall be too much to resist?

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A Touch Mortal is a clever, distinctive and absolutely astounding debut novel from author Leah Clifford. The world that she has begun creating in this series is edgy, dark and intricate.

This is not simply a love story between a mortal and a fallen angel, but rather a complex story of immortal beings who are caught between Heaven and Hell. Every moment in this story will leave readers filled with trepidation about what might happen next.

Eden is a troubled girl who thinks she is getting a second chance at happiness when she meets Az. But Az is an angel who was sent down from Heaven for falling in love and now the Fallen want to claim him for their own.

With everyone he’s ever loved tortured in an attempt to cause his fall, Eden is his last hope. But when his friend Gabe, an angel still bound to Heaven, discovers that she has no path, the risk to her becomes even greater. And, in order to protect her from the Fallen Az must deceive her and risk losing her love.

A Touch Mortal will keep you in suspense until the very end as you follow Eden as she learns more about what she is, what she is capable of and how to cope with her new existence. The atmosphere in the story is foreboding and will culminate in a cruel, devastating and heartbreaking ending.

Author Leah Clifford has created a new series with so much possibility for what is to come. There are many characters we have yet to learn about, many questions still remaining about Eden and her abilities, and a conclusion that has flipped everything upside down for the start of the next book in the series.

Reviewer gives this book ★★★★★★. Like In-N-Out Burger‘s infamous secret menu this one deserves my off-the-menu 6 star rating.

On a personal note:

I have been waiting for this book for months, which felt more like lifetimes. Just check out the description…and the cover. And yes, I am resorting to something I never thought I would put in a post, but – OMG. It was so worth the wait. This book was so freaking cool!

I completely blame Cassandra Clare for getting me hooked on Angel-themed books. She can now share some of the blame with Leah Clifford for the agonizing torture I have to endure between books.

Part of me was totally afraid that I wouldn’t like this book when I started reading it. I lived in fear that I over-hyped it and that I would hate it and then have absolutely nothing positive to say.

I will admit, for the first few pages I was a bit confused. If I hadn’t read up as much as I did on this book, the concepts of the Siders would have had me slightly baffled, but if you just go with the story all becomes clear.

This was one tense read. I was stressed and worried the entire time – which for me is one of the things I like in my books. This book is so wonderfully dark and edgy. I love and hate Eden, which is also something I like to feel about main characters.

But, you see, I totally fell in love with Az at the very beginning. So anything Eden could possibly do that was anti-Az made me want to have Kristen kick the c**p out of her!

It’s so hard to write this section without revealing anything, but I can say, “I knew it!” about a few things and can also add that the end has absolutely left me shattered. And a wee bit despondent after spending all those hours on edge and keeping fingers crossed for a happily ever after.

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A Touch Mortal is the first book in a planned trilogy. To read an excerpt from HarperTeen, click here.

Favorite passage:

Memories rose, rippling like pebbles tossed into the lies she’d told herself to try to forget about him.

(I knew it immediately when I read it that this was my favorite passage, which is funny as it was the very passage that was rephrased and quoted later in the book by a certain evil dude.)

UPDATE 3/15/11: Book trailer for A Touch Mortal: