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 August 7th-August 13th that I have pre-ordered.

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in paperback, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in all formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by NAL Trade, the print edition is 352 pages.

Biting Cold is the sixth book in author Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires series. The seventh book, House Rules, is slated for release on February 5, 2013.

***

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this next book in this series for a lifetime, but it seems that it hasn’t been all that long since I read Drink Deep. It just felt that way. I was so excited when Biting Cold downloaded to my Kindle and it’s going to be my very next read. One I hope to finish tonight.

I can’t wait to continue Merit’s story. I don’t want to say too much as anything I might say could spoil previous books in the series. Especially Hard Bitten. But I will just say I’m curious as to what is going to happen on Merit’s road trip. I’m also super curious as to who is hunting her down. The description makes me very, very nervous when it said that this enemy will “stop at nothing” and that there’s “no mercy allowed” and that there will be “no lives spared.”

I hope the wait for the next book in the series won’t be as torturous as the wait for this one, but I suppose I’ll have my answers very, very soon.

[Note: I know this is not a YA release, but I couldn't leave this off of this week's Book Watch post as this is a book I've been pining for and one I've had pre-ordered for awhile.]

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in hardcover and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Bloomsbury USA Childrens, the print edition is 416 pages.

Throne of Glass is the first book in author Sarah J. Mass’ series by the same name.

***

I first heard of Throne of Glass when I saw the book trailer. And it looked so epic that I immediately pre-ordered it and requested it on NetGalley. Although I haven’t had a chance to read it just yet, I will be reading it next week in anticipation of the book tour I’ll be on in September.

At least by waiting just a little bit, I’ll have less of a wait until the next full-length book in the series is released. I’ve heard that this book is amazing and I can’t imagine not falling in love. Especially after I checked out the description.

I love that this story consists of thieves, assassins and warriors. I can’t wait to meet Calaena, Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall. I’m curious whether it will be Dorian or Westfall that she’ll be drawn to. And I hope she figures out who has been killing the other contestants in this competition she’s in to find the next royal assassin.

Just re-reading that description has made me want to start reading this book right now. If I finish my reads early this week, I may just have to start on this one early, too.

Rift by Andrea Cremer was released today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in hardcover, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in all formats at Amazon and in hardcover and eBook formats at Barnes & Noble.

Published by Philomel, the print edition is 464 pages.

Rift is a prequel novel in the author’s Nightshade series.

***

I love Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade series. I have yet to read the final book in the series because I didn’t want the series to end, but now that there is a prequel I just might read that final book.

As soon as I heard that Rift was being released I added it to my pre-orders, but I also got an early review copy just last week, which I will be reading next week for review. I am excited to read this novel that the description says has “action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality.”

I can’t wait to find out just what happens in this story with Ember and Barrow, both their love story and the decision they make about Eira. If this is as captivating as the first two books in the Nightshade series, then next week will definitely be a happy reading week.

Rivals and Retribution by Shannon Delany releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in paperback and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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

Rivals and Retribution is the fifth book in the author’s 13 to Life series.

***

I’ve fallen just a bit behind on the series. I read the first three books but have yet to read the previous book, Destiny and Deception. But as it is my plan to one day get caught up, I couldn’t not add Rivals and Retribution to my pre-orders.

I do not want to read the description to find out just what happens in this installment as I know it will spoil the previous book in the series. It already happened when I’d read the description for Destiny and Deception before finishing Bargains and Betrayals so I didn’t want to take a chance this time around.

I’m hoping all of my favorite characters are in this latest installment, but especially Jessie and Pietr. As I haven’t taken a peek at the description, I don’t know whether this is the final book in the series. But maybe that’s a good thing so that when I do get a chance to read it I won’t hit my typical stumbling block for series ending books. If, that is, this is one.

While I won’t be reading this latest book this month, I hope to get caught up with the series this winter. I may end up deciding to re-read the first two books so that I can read the entire series back-to-back.

Wake by Amanda Hocking releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in hardcover, audio and eBook formats. It is currently available to order online in all formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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

Wake is the first book in author Amanda Hocking’s Watersong series. Lullaby, the second book in the series, is slated for release on November 27, 2012. Books three and four are entitled Tidal and Elegy.

***

I received an early copy for review as part of the blog tour going on right now, hosted by The Bookish Brunette. I was so excited because I’ve been a long time fan of author Amanda Hocking. But regardless of the tour or the early copy, I planned on adding Wake to my collection and pre-ordered it for my Kindle ages ago.

As my tour stop was yesterday and my review posted then, too, I won’t go on and on about this book. But I will say that it was such a quick and fun read, the perfect start to this quadrilogy, and a series I can’t wait to continue.

I don’t want to reveal too much about Penn, Lexi and Thea or just what happens with Gemma and why she’s attracted their attention, but I will say there were definitely a few surprises. And I will also say that the ending will leave you wanting to get your hands on an early copy of the next book.

At least that’s what has happened to me.

As I have read and reviewed this book, I know what happens so guessing about what might happen is out. But I am totally in the dark about what’s going to happen in the next book in the series, Lullaby, and I can’t wait to find out.

Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in hardcover format and it will be releasing on August 21st in eBook format. It is currently available to order online in print at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Walker Childrens, the print edition is 432 pages.

***

I decided to include Beautiful Lies with this week’s releases, even though my eBook pre-order won’t be available for two more weeks, as this is its official release date. This book sounded so eerie and awesome I just had to add it to my pre-orders once I’d read the description last month.

I am so curious what is really going on with these twins, Rachel and Alice. To not only be virtually indistinguishable in appearance, but to also experience each other’s pain is fascinating and in the case of this story, terrifying.

The description mentions that one twin is kidnapped and it’s up to the other to help find her missing sister. But it doesn’t mention which one was taken and which one was left behind. Which makes me even more curious about just what is going on.

I love a mystery and a thriller and the fact that the description mentions that this story “will keep readers guessing” makes me wish I had my eBook in hand right about now. But the wait isn’t too bad, as it is releasing in just two weeks, so I hope to get the chance to read it then.

Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in paperback and eBook Formats. It is currently available online to order in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by NAL Trade, the print edition is 304 pages.

Blood Fever is the third book in The Watchers series by author Veronica Wolff.

***

I have not yet read the first two books in this series, but I decided to go ahead and add this third book, Blood Fever, to my pre-orders. I’ve been so curious about this series since I first learned about it, I just haven’t had the time to move it to the top of my TBR pile.

I want to head over to the Isle of Night and see what’s going on with Watcher training. I want to meet Annelise and Ronan and Drew. And I really want to meet Carden. Described as a “brawny, eighteenth-century Scottish bad boy,” he sounds like someone I definitely should be meeting.

I hope to read all three books in the series soon, as this has piqued my curiosity for way too long. And I think I might just have to cave and start reading these books really, really soon.

Free Four by Veronica Roth releases today, August 7, 2012, in the U.S. in eBook format only. It is currently available to order online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Katherine Tegen Books, the print length is 46 pages.

Free Four is a short novella in the author’s Divergent series and takes place after the first book in the series.

***

I tried to read Free Four online during the publisher’s promotional event last spring, but I hate reading on a computer and so when I heard that it would be available to pre-order for my Kindle I jumped at the chance.

I just didn’t know how long a wait it would be.

I love stories – even short ones – told from another character’s point of view. And one that’s being told by Four’s point of view is even better, as he is my favorite character in the series.

While the print length for this short story is listed as forty-six pages on Amazon, the description mentions the scene is just thirteen pages long. But apparently it reveals a few details about Four’s character that we haven’t learned from seeing things from Tris’ vantage point. And it also reveals his thoughts about Tris.

I really, really, really can’t wait to read this scene.

***

I hadn’t realized quite how busy a release week it was. I had eight items pre-ordered – seven of which have downloaded and one of which I already started reading. I’m glad I had the chance to read Wake early and that one of the books is just a short story, which means my TBR pile won’t be growing too much.

I will be reading Throne of Glass and Rift next week, so that will definitely help with the read to unread ratio that’s getting more imbalanced with every week that passes. But I really don’t know how I can possibly say no to new books, new authors and new series that are sure to be amazing.

And I don’t know how to find any more time in a day than those measly 24 hours.

Anyway…. I hope you have some amazing books you added to your collection this week. If you have any reads that you think should be on my radar, let me know!

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!

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 order online in both formats at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Published by Katherine Tegen Books, the print edition is 544 pages.

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

Faction before blood. But what if your faction was divided? What if you didn’t know who in your faction to trust? What if you couldn’t be the person your faction needed you to be? What if you chose wrong?

Everything is falling apart. One faction is divided, one faction nearly destroyed, two factions undecided and one faction seeking control over them all.

Without an alliance there will be no way to fight back. Without the Divergent there will be no chance to win. Without uniting with someone thought to be your enemy there will be no chance to be Insurgent.

And without trust everything will be lost.

But how can you fight an enemy when they can render you powerless in an instant? How can you admit to being Divergent when everything in you screams to keep it secret? How do you fight alongside strangers when you don’t know what they’re fighting for?

And how do you trust someone else, even someone you care about, when you can’t even trust yourself?

***

A highly anticipated sequel, Insurgent will not disappoint. This electrifying and absolutely riveting second book in author Veronica Roth’s incredibly imaginative dystopian series is suspenseful and action-packed with a lightning fast pace that will make this five hundred plus pages story fly.

Right from the start, readers will be catapulted back into this world of factions and the factionless. Where the struggle for power pits faction against faction, turning allies into enemies and forcing everyone to choose a side. To a world where the wrong choice could be deadly. Where no one is safe. And where being Divergent may just be the only hope for survival.

After the attack that left so many dead – many who she knew, several who she cared about – Tris is still in shock and struggling to come to grips with everything that happened and everything she was forced to do to survive. But the war isn’t over. The factions are still in disarray. And the fight for control is still being waged.

No longer sure who she can trust, not even sure if she can trust herself, Tris is forced into hiding until Four can come up with a plan. But unless they are able to gather enough forces to stand with them against their enemies, any rebellion they may incite will have no chance at victory.

With one faction in ruins and one faction divided, they will need all the help they can get. Even if it means relying on an unlikely ally whose motives are suspect. And even if it means that Tris will have to take matters into her own hands to find the answers she needs.

Author Veronica Roth has elevated her story to an entirely new stratosphere with Insurgent. The world is broader, the characters more intriguing, the action more nerve-wracking, the surprises more jaw-dropping and the love story more heartrending.

Even with as quick a pace as this story had, and with the amount of action jam-packed onto its pages, the writing retained its beauty and flow, inviting readers to connect with the characters, discover the fascinating world and uncover all of its secrets.

Full of twists and turns, heartbreak and betrayal, Insurgent is an emotional roller coaster of a read that will keep readers ensnared until the very end. And with all it promises and all it delivers, this is a sequel not to be missed.

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:

What an unbelievably amazing, out of this world, everything you could have asked for multiplied by a million kind of sequel this was. I did not want the story to end. I wish it hadn’t ended. I could have just kept on reading for days and days.

And oh how I miss those characters. Already. I haven’t been able to pick up another book since I put Insurgent down because I don’t want to connect with any other characters than Tris and Four. I don’t want to be transported to any other world than the one in Veronica Roth’s series.

I am going to have to re-read Divergent and then Insurgent again when it releases next week because I won’t be able to get this story out of my head unless I re-read it. And possibly read it once more after that.

I loved Divergent. And I mean loved, loved it. How could I not? It was awesome. But my love for Insurgent went so far beyond that. I don’t know if it was the fact that I was so wary about Divergent because of the hype when I picked it up or if I just felt pressured because I was rushed to finish it on time, but I didn’t make a connection to that first book in the series anything like the one I made to this second book.

This sequel had everything. And I mean everything I could want in a book. There was a ton of action. I don’t think the characters had a moment to breathe. I know I didn’t. The pace was insanely fast. The pages were practically turning themselves they were flying by so quickly. The emotional roller coaster I was on nearly killed me. From heartbroken to hopeful, from elated to devastated, from anxious to relieved, I was all over the place. Up. Down. Sideways.

And then there was the suspense. It kept me on edge for the entire book. I could barely fight off the urge to turn to the last chapter to hopefully find just a tiny bit of relief. Just. Barely. Resisted.

I had no idea what to expect for most of the read. I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. I didn’t know who would survive and who wouldn’t. I didn’t know if each and every moment Tris spent with another character would be the last moment she spent with them. I didn’t know who to trust. I didn’t know who or what to believe. Practically everything was a surprise. And it was absolutely, deliciously tormenting.

I was hooked from the moment I picked up this book. Putting it down for even a second was pure agony. Everything that happened made me want to know what would happen next. There was no obvious place to pause. And I didn’t want to.

I loved everything about this book. I loved what happened in the beginning. Then there was all that stuff that happened in the middle. And I can’t forget about that ending. Oh my gosh that ending. I loved all of it. Of course, I can’t talk about any of it because that would spoil everything. And I wouldn’t want to do that.

But I can talk about my two favorite characters in this series.

I didn’t think I could love Four more than I did in Divergent, but I did. Even though he was maddeningly frustrating at times. He was the hero. He was the protector. He was the voice of reason. He was quiet, calm and strong. He was willing to do what needed to be done. For his faction, for the people who relied on him, but mostly for Tris.

And while I definitely considered him the good guy, when he wanted to be, he could be absolutely lethal. Which made him an unpredictable but incredibly entertaining character and the perfect match for Tris.

Tris, who is becoming one of my very favorite heroines. I absolutely adored her in Insurgent. Even though she was just as frustrating as Four was. Maybe more so. She was reckless and stubborn and secretive. She could hardly be trusted. But she was also strong and smart and brave and fragile and wounded.

With everything that happened and continued to happen to her and around her, she was never truly defeated. Because whether she knew it or not, she was a fighter. And because of that I rooted for her every single step of the way.

Insurgent was so off-the-charts good I don’t even have a rating that will do it justice. As someone who does not always connect to books with a dystopian setting, I fell head-over-heels-and-back-again in love with this book. And I have no clue how I will be able to suffer the year-long wait for the third book in this series.

***

I have so many favorite passages in this book. They number in the double-digits. There are the sexy ones, the heartbreaking ones, the nerve-wracking ones and the shocking ones, most of which I think should be discovered within the story.

But I couldn’t narrow it down to just one. And so I chose two. This one, which I found to be incredibly meaningful:

People, I have discovered, are layers and layers of secrets. You believe you know them, that you understand them, but their motives are always hidden from you, buried in their own hearts. You will never know them, but sometimes you decide to trust them.

And this one, which is absolutely, achingly tormenting:

“What else do you want me to say?”

He just shakes his head. “Nothing, Tris. Nothing.”

I watch him walk away. I feel like a space has opened up within me, expanding so rapidly it will break me apart.

***

Book trailer for Insurgent:

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This review is based on an ARC I borrowed from another blogger.

I only received one book this week – though I didn’t check the mail on Friday – and it’s only in my hands temporarily. But it’s such an amazing book that I just had to share it. Plus, it is at the top of the pile this week, so I couldn’t just sneak it on past.

As I am sharing what I received in my mailbox this week, I’m giving credit to Kristi at The Story Siren who came up with the idea of sharing what’s in her mailbox each week.

The amazing Jaime from Two Chicks On Books was so generous and shared with me her copy of Insurgent by Veronica Roth. Which I’ve already started to read. While it’s only just over a week until release date, getting a chance to read this book early is so amazingly awesome.

Especially since I haven’t had the long wait that some have had since they read Divergent. That is one book that is still fresh in my mind since I read it at the very end of 2011.

And while I will be sending this one back to her, I have my eBook pre-ordered so that I can read it again and again and again. Which I just know I’ll be doing after hearing how awesome this sequel is. And this time I do believe the hype.

So, yes this lone book from my mailbox is one of the books on the pile this week, but I do have another one I plan on reading….

Here are the books I have in my reading pile this week.

(April 22 – April 28 2012)

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First up on the pile is Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I am taking full advantage of the chance to read this one early. Even though it’s just a tiny bit early. In fact, I’ll probably be finished with it before I’m technically supposed to be starting this week’s pile.

But I loved Divergent and I can’t wait to see just what is going to happen next with the factions, with Tris and Four. All the buzz with the publisher’s online promotion has made me super anxious to read this next book in the series and from hearing the chatter, Insurgent is even more amazing than its predecessor.

I am anxious about the impending war, I’m dying to know just what secrets will come out and curious to see what sides will be chosen. And in just a few hours I hope to have all those answers. Though I’m nervous about what Tris may end up losing. Especially when the description does mention heartbreak.

Next up on the pile is Endlessly by Kiersten White. I received a copy through a trade last week and I’ve been absolutely dying to read it. This is one series finale that I don’t have any dread about devouring.

I can’t wait to find out what happens with the war between the faerie courts. I am super curious to see just what happens with Evie, Lend and Reth. And if the story is full of “suspense” and “unexpected twists” as the description promises, then I really can’t wait to be tied up in knots trying to puzzle out just how this story will end.

I have missed Evie’s sarcastic sense of humor. I miss Tasey. And I am happy and sad to see them this last time in this much anticipated series ending book.

Wishful Thinking reads:

I would love to read Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard. It sounds seriously creepy and wildly entertaining. Why? Zombies. An army of zombies to be exact.

I haven’t read too many books about zombies but I’ve seen more than my fair share of films about them. And I would love to dive into this upcoming book and see whether the Spirit-Hunters are able to keep the zombies out of Philadelphia, whether they do in fact have Eleanor’s brother and whether a love story develops between Eleanor and the swoon-worthy Daniel.

Those left behind:

I actually read both books from last week’s pile. And did manage to write a couple reviews, though I am still behind on a few. I still need to read The Girl Who Was On Fire, but I plan on doing that just as soon as I finish Insurgent. I just felt the need to read the entire Hunger Games trilogy first.

I also hope to sneak in Shine later this week, but that is one of the series-ending books I’m nervous about. I’ve already heard chatter about one of my favorite characters in the series, so I’m approaching that last book expecting to have my heart broken. I just hope I can muster up the courage to do so this week.

NetGalley Pile Adds:

I have steered clear of NetGalley this week, though I plan on adding one of my NetGalley reads to the pile next week. I just hope when I go to grab it I don’t end up taking a look around at some of the other books on offer.

But at least this week I’ve been good.

***

I still feel bad for not catching up on all my reviews, but I did write a few reviews and a book thoughts post this week. So I don’t feel as guilty as I did last week. I’ve just been enjoying simply reading the books I love without the immediate need to review them. It’s a hard habit to break.

I can’t wait for May to begin because I plan on taking a few months to catch up on overdue reads and reviews and adding in quite a few “me” reads. I have only accepted a few books for review, two of which would have been on my pile no matter what, so it’s nice after so long to finally have that chance.

Anyway, I hope this week’s mailbox has been amazing and that you have some awesome books on the pile. Happy reading!

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Do you create a reading pile?

If so, what’s in your pile this week?