Hello and Welcome!

Red House Books is going through a bit of a update!

I've always had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted this space to be but I've been detoured from my path by...lots and lost of other people's opinions and ways of doing things...

I'm committed to this little chunk of the interweb but I've also branched out into other places so! Now it's time to think of Red House Books as more of a hub of all things me! And Me is a hell of a lot of book love!

Stay tuned!

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Saturday, June 30, 2012

On My Reader (17) - June 30, 2012

On My Reader posts are were I highlight recent ebooks I've added to my digital collection :)

Found a couple more free online short stories plus something hilarious from NetGalley

Insider Information: A Possession Short Story (Possession #0.5) by Elana Johnson
You can read this one right on Goodreads
I've had Possession forever but haven't read it yet. I'm hoping this short story will get me excited for the series again.

A scene from Divergent told from Four's point of view!
You can read this one now on Facebook or wait until August and buy the Kindle version

For Review from NetGalley:
I really tried to get through Fifty Shades of Grey but the writing was just too horrible! I'm looking forward to reading this spoof though :)

So, what's on your readers?

Friday, June 29, 2012

Cover Reveal: Fae (Auri #2) by Emily White

I love the cover of the first book in this trilogy, Elemental so I'm thrilled to be able to show you the cover for book 2!
It's a long way out but it's never too soon to get excited :)

Fae by Emily White
December 10, 2013 from Spencer Hill Press
Cover Design by Vic Caswell of Sketcher Girl

Not all fae'ri tales come with a happy ending.
     Ella thought taking care of the ego-bloated Mamood god would be a sure way to bring peace to the galaxy and satisfy her taste for revenge.
     But she was wrong.
     Despite the fact their god is gone, the Mamood refuse to abandon their attack on the planet Soltak and Ella's own so-called friends start to turn against her. And with Soltak dying--its oceans drying up and its plants withering in the ground--Ella and Cailen suspect there's a new enemy at work. As more people die and more water is leached from the planet, they both prepare for something straight from a nightmare.
     The fae are coming.

Book 1, Elemental
Places to find Emily:

Thursday, June 28, 2012

How do you read?


The other night, I read a book in one sitting. I hadn't intended to finish it but once I began, I found that I really couldn't put it down. I was so drawn into the story that I raced through 300 pages in a few hours.

Since then I've read about 60 pages of another book...in about 2 days. I couldn't help but wonder why it was taking me so long to get through it. After some thought, I realized what it was.

It seems there is a direct correlation between how much I enjoy a book and how fast I read it. If I'm loving it - it's finished in a flash. If I'm not - it takes quite a bit longer to get through. I almost think it should be the other way around, don't you? If you're not enjoying something you need to get done, you do it faster so as to not have to deal with it for very long. Right?

But why should I 'deal with it' at all you might be asking. Why do I finish a book if I'm not loving it?

For as long as I can remember being a reader, I've finished just about every book I've ever started. If I get at least a chapter read, the entire book is read. It might not make any sense but it's always worked for me.

Recently, I've been wondering about this practice of mine. I've seen a lot of bloggers post about DNF books. Books that for some reason or another, they just couldn't get to the end of. I haven't always understood this. In my mind, you can't get a complete picture of a book unless you have read the entire thing. There are many books I've only felt lukewarm about until about 3/4ths of the way through. And sometimes it really is that last little bit that makes all the difference.

BUT! Should I change the way I read? I have so many books sitting on my shelf - so many that I want to read. Am I doing a disservice to them by 'wasting' my time with books that I don't love right away?

And how should this love be measured? Should I read 50 pages or 100 and then make a decision as to whether or not the book is worth the trouble of finishing? I'm not sure this would work for me at all but I'm still contemplating some type of change in my reading habits.

What I do know is this. I'm a pretty good judge of my own character. Meaning, I know what I like and what I don't. I don't buy books that I don't think I'll enjoy. I don't except books for review that I don't feel drawn to. I don't bring books into my home that I know will sit on my shelf forever unopened. Do I make mistakes sometimes? Of course. But, for the most part, every book sitting on my shelf right now, I want to read. And wanting to read it means actually reading it. Not giving it a 100 page audition.

So I ask you? How do you read?

How many books do you not finish and do you have a system in place for these 'not for you' books? Do you think it's ridiculous that I finish every book I start? Have any advice to share?

I would love to hear from you!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Short Story Review: Beasts and BFFs by Shannon Delany

E-novella / Short Story
13 to Life #0.5
December 2010 from St. Martin's Griffin

Synopsis:
Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
This prequel to 13 Years to Life was about 12 pages long. I have to wonder if it was originally chapter one before edits. It had that feel. A short introduction to Jessie and her friends. We also get a brief glimpse into the strangeness to come. Actually, I think it works better as a first chapter then the actual first chapter of 13 Years to Life, which I didn't much care for.

A free ebook download worth the 10 minutes or so it would take to read, if you are a fan of the series. If you haven't read 13 Years to Life, this prequel won't really do much for you. And if the publisher ever ups the price to anything other then $0, I wouldn't recommend purchasing it.

Extras? no

Will I continue the series? I actually read book 1 before I read this short story. I didn't love it and I haven't continued with the series. I would be curious to hear from others that have!

Worth the price? For $0? If you're a fan then yeah. If you're not then in my opinion it's a waste of time to download and read.


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Book Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter


Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: April 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 293
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:
EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.
NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN.
It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.
IF SHE FAILS… (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I wasn't quite sure what to expect at first from The Goddess Test. I really love Greek mythology but I was worried it would either be too heavy and not very well explained or too unimportant and irrelevant. Thankfully, The Goddess Test was neither of these things! The mythology was represented really well and it was easy to get wrapped up in the story without feeling overwhelmed with facts.

I loved the natural flow of the story and it's characters -nothing felt rushed. I did find myself shaking my head a few times. Mostly over the romance and at times a few of the supporting characters were a little over the top. For the most part though, I really enjoyed everything.

Final verdict:
The entire story and really the entire world of these characters takes place in a sort of bubble. You have to suspend your grasp on reality a bit to get the full experience. In that respect it reads more like a fantasy novel then a paranormal one. I happen to love fantasy so I didn't have a problem with this but I can see how those who were hoping for a fun YA paranormal romance might be a little disappointed.

Overall I was pretty captivated by Kate's journey and I know Goddess Test is going to be a series I finish. I'm a little surprised because the romance did have hints of insta-love, which I normally can't stand. I guess in this case, I really wanted Henry to be happy and I really felt invested in Kate, that I was able to overlook the less then perfect aspects of their relationship.

Overall Rating:
4 / 5 Stars


Books in the Goddess Test Series:
#1 The Goddess Test
#1.5 The Goddess Hunt
#2 Goddess Interrupted
#2.5 The Goddess Legacy - July 2012
#3 The Goddess Inheritance - April 2013

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Monday, June 25, 2012

Book Review: Transcendence by C.J. Omololu


Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: June 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury / Walker
Pages: 336
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:
When a visit to the Tower of London triggers an overwhelmingly real vision of a beheading that occurred centuries before, Cole Ryan fears she is losing her mind. A mysterious boy, Griffon Hall, comes to her aid, but the intensity of their immediate connection seems to open the floodgate of memories even wider.
As their feelings grow, Griffon reveals their common bond as members of the Akhet—an elite group of people who can remember past lives and use their collected wisdom for the good of the world. But not all Akhet are altruistic, and a rogue is after Cole to avenge their shared past. Now in extreme danger, Cole must piece together clues from many lifetimes. What she finds could ruin her chance at a future with Griffon, but risking his love may be the only way to save them both.
Full of danger, romance, and intrigue, Transcendence breathes new life into a perpetually fascinating question: What would you do with another life to live? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Mystery where there is none, an instant love connection and a cast of characters that I never felt a connection with, unfortunately, Transcendence wasn't for me. The romance is what really did me in. At times it felt creepy, at times it felt really fake and I just couldn't bring myself to care much what happened to Cole and Griffon in the end.

Also, I had a hard time liking Griffon at all as a character and especially as a boyfriend. There was one scene where he was borderline abusive and Cole still can't help but feel draw to his hotness and beautiful curly hair. Cole was hard to respect as a female character after that.

The paranormal aspect of this story was pretty cool but all in all it didn't feel like it amounted to anything. Cole was a little too imperfect Griffon a little too perfect. The settings were a little too far fetched and at the same time, a little too just right.

All in all it seemed a little too typical for me. Girl meets boy but boy likes and or ignores girl for her own good. Girl has no self esteem but finds self worth in the arms of boy who makes everything both horrible and perfect with his supernatural explanations for everything that has ever happened and will ever happen to girl.

Final verdict:
Again? Transcendence wasn't for me. It's the first in series but I don't think I'll continuing with it. I really can't see what more of the story there is to tell, or rather, I'm not invested in finding out more.

This is my second book by C.J. Omololu and while I won't be continuing with this series, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book of hers. The story she told in Transcendence didn't move me but her storytelling was spot on. The writing was good and the characters were true to their nature.

I would still recommend this book to fans of past life stories and / or fans of paranormal romance with more romance then freaky happenings. This one falls in the 'not for me but maybe for you' category.

Overall Rating:
3 / 5 Stars



Friday, June 22, 2012

Can't Wait To Get My Hands On...Awesome Middle Grade Mystery (21)


Highlighting books I can't wait to get into my hot little hands!

This week it's all about the mystery.
Middle grade mystery to be exact.

I finished the first book in Kim Harrington's Sleuth or Dare series and I'm hooked!

I feel in love with the mystery in Kim's Clarity series and she's done it again, only this time for younger readers. I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to read these - she'll love them!

I've included all books here so you can get the full effect although I only need books 2 and 3 :)


Links are to Goodreads


Partners in Crime

Whodunit?

When best friends Darcy and Norah have to create a fake business for a school assignment, they come up with a great idea: a detective agency! Darcy loves mysteries, and Norah likes helping people, so it's a perfect fit.

But then their pretend agency gets a real case. Someone is missing, and it's up to Darcy and Norah to take on the search. Unfortunately, there's someone else out there who doesn't want the two detectives stirring up any trouble. . . .

With the help of hidden clues, spy gadgets, and trusted friends, can Darcy and Norah crack the case in time?



Sleepover Stakeout

WHO'S OUT THERE?

Norah and Darcy's detective agency, Partners in Crime, is taking on a new and chilling case. The girls' classmate, Maya, is hearing strange, crackling voices coming over the baby monitor while she's babysitting late at night. Maya is worried someone might be in danger.

To help investigate, Norah and Darcy join her for a sleepover stakeout. In between eating snacks and watching TV, the girls are on high alert for anything suspicious. Soon, they stumble upon a mysterious secret they never could have imagined -- but Norah and Darcy clash over how to interpret the new clues.

Can the girls get past their differences to see their way to the truth?



Framed and Dangerous

Who's the culprit?

Norah and Darcy are still in a fight, but crime doesn't stop just because the girls aren't speaking. Someone has set fire to their school's brand-new field house. And the prime suspect is Zane Munro, the cute boy Norah can't help crushing on.

When Zane asks Partners in Crime for help, Norah and Darcy must band together to investigate. Norah knows Zane is innocent, but the clues are not in his favor. Can she and Darcy mend their friendship, crack the case, and clear Zane's name before it's too late?

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Short Story Review: Prophet by Jennifer Bosworth


E-novella / Short Story
Struck #0.5
April 2012 from Tor

Synopsis:
Some men are born monsters . . . others are made so. In “Prophet,” Rance Ridley, the teenage son of a cult leader, lives on an isolated compound, disconnected from modern civilization. There is no running water. No electricity. And no law but the Prophet’s. When Rance is caught in an act of flagrant disobedience, his father delivers the ultimate punishment, and Rance is set on a course that will change everything. ‘Prophet’ is a disturbing glimpse into the past of the villain of Jennifer Bosworth’s debut novel, Struck. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:
A born monster? Maybe.
Purely upbringing? Possibly.
Scary as hell villain? Oh yeah!

A first I felt sorry for Rance but that sorry was quickly replaced. Getting this small peak into exactly what he is capable of was awesome.

I was already excited to read Struck, but after reading Prophet, I couldn't wait to dive in. Rance is a powerful character and after getting a glimpse of his disturbing nature, I can't wait to see what havoc he can cause.

Extras? no

Will I continue the series? Yes!

Worth the price? It's free if you read it on Tor.com or you can pay $.99 for the Kindle or Nook version. Either way, I would have to say yes, the price it worth it.



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

DEBUT FEATURE: Hilary Weisman Graham Release Party + GIVEAWAY


A big welcome to
Hilary Weisman Graham
whose debut novel
Reunited
released this month
from Simon and Schuster

1 Concert
2000 Miles
3 Ex-Best Friends
Alice, Summer, and Tiernan are ex-best friends.
Back in middle school, the three girls were inseparable. They were also the number one fans of the rock band Level3
.But when the band broke up, so did their friendship. Summer ran with the popular crowd, Tiernan was a rebellious wild-child, and Alice spent high school with her nose buried in books.
Now, just as the girls are about to graduate, Level3 announces a one-time-only reunion show.
Even though the concert’s 2000 miles away, Alice buys three tickets on impulse. And as it turns out, Summer and Tiernan have their own reasons for wanting to get out of town. Good thing Alice’s graduation gift (a pea-green 1976 VW camper van known as the Pea Pod) is just the vehicle to get them there.
But on the long drive cross-country, the girls hit more than a few bumps in the road. Will their friendship get an encore or is the show really over? (from Goodreads)

This past Saturday, Hilary held a release party about half an hour from my house. How thrilled was I?!

She read a chapter from Reunited, answered our questions and then signed, just about every copy in the store.

Afterwards, we all headed outside to a park behind the bookstore for sunshine, snacks, drinks and one of the best tasting cakes I've had in a long time. Seriously, the icing on this thing was amazing! Maybe it was almond flavored? I don't know but man was it good.
Also in the park was a cut out of the famous Pea Pod - the van from Reunited. I could share the pictures my family and I took but...we really are a bunch of goof balls! Everyone had a blast getting behind the wheel.

I had a ton of fun and I'm pretty sure everyone else did too. The day was beautiful and even though we were there to celebrate Hilary, I could really tell she put a lot of work into making sure all her guests had a good time. How sweet of her!

Before we get on to the giveaway, take a minute to check out the trailer and don't forget the stalking! 





I met Hilary for the first time at BEA 2011 and it was easy get excited for her debut. Now that I have a copy in my hot little hands I can't wait to read it.

And you can too!

I have 1 (one) signed copy to give away. Open to US residents 18 and older.
I'm using Rafflecopter for the first time so please let me know if something seems off.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 18, 2012

Book Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder


Reading Level: Adult
Publication Date: December 2011
Publisher: Mira
Pages: 390
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken princeleader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life… (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Wow. So much love for this book. With about half the book to go, I though, I'll read a few more pages and then go to bed. Way past my bedtime later I finished the last page with tears in my eyes. Happy tears, mind you, but it's rare that a book can bring me to that level of emotion.

It was the fantasy that drew me in but ultimately it was Avry that really made this a fantastic read. I really loved everything about her - her strength, her weaknesses, her determination. She is honesty and true but she's no fool. She knows when to stand her ground and when to back away. She's strong in every sense of the word. I dare you to read Touch of Power and not fall for her!

I read this book under the assumption that it was a YA novel. Not so, I discovered but I really don't see why it couldn't be. There is some sexuality towards the end but not more then I've read in some current YA books.

Final verdict:
Touch of Power is a fantasy book for all ages. I was swept away by the magic and as the first in a series, I'm really looking forward to what comes next. It's so easy and such a joy to immerse myself in the world Maria has created.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to any fantasy lover.

Overall Rating:
5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Healer Series
Touch of Power
Scent of Magic - 2013
Taste of Death - 2014

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Book Roundup: check out the goods! AKA OMG I need more bookcases!

I've been posting on Tumblr throughout the week as books find their way into my house and I thought I'd try rounding them up.

This week I also included my BEA haul which went up on the blog earlier this week.

Crewel by Gennifer Albin
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Tote bag from Quirk Books





So...anyone want to build me a new bookcase...and maybe an addition on my house :)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

On My Reader (16) - June 16, 2012


On My Reader posts are were I highlight recent ebooks I've added to my digital collection :)

This week I found a bunch of pretty cool online short stories. You can buy 2 of them for Kindle or iBooks for $.99 or you can read them for free - I've included both links.

The Ash-Born Boy by Victoria Schwab
The story of Cole before he came to Near

The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo
A companion story to Shadow and Bone

Legacy Lost by Anna Banks
A prequel story to Of Poseidon

So, what's on your reader?

Friday, June 15, 2012

Book Review: Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington


Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Pages: 288
Series: 2nd and final in a series
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:
When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I loved book 1, Clarity so I had high hopes for Perception. Overall, I wasn't disappointed. With Clare and her family, I felt like I was coming home.

Now, the love triangle - not as bad as it could have been but I still didn't enjoy it. I'm not a fan though so, I wasn't expecting to like Clare's indecision over which guy was right for her. On the plus side, both guys are from book 1. So there wasn't that new hot mystery guy out if no where that love triangles seem to be plagued with. I can honestly say that I liked both guys. I liked one way more then the other though....and I'm happy to report that my guy 'won' - hehe.

Final verdict:
If I had to sum up Perception in one word it would be mystery. As in a true mystery story. Unknowns that need to be found out, sleuthing that needs to be done, villains who need to be good at what they do - this book had it all.

Also? I thought I had everything figured out and I was wrong! This lack of predictability was a pleasant surprise.

So far there are only 2 books in this series but I'm really hoping Kim will write more. It was so easy to get caught up with Care and her family and crazy town that I wouldn't mind going back for another visit or two.

Overall Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Clarity Series:
#1 Clarity (my review)
#2 Perception

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

***2012 Debut Author***
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 330
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: gift
Summary:
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Wonderful and heartbreaking! My heart is in my throat and I don't know if I want to cry or laugh or scream. Born Wicked is by far one of the best books I have read this year, or last year, and perhaps even the year before that.

I feel in love with every character. Some brought me pain, some complete joy, and a few I fantasied about stabbing in the eye. The wealth of emotion that this book brought me was fantastic. Born Wicked did exactly what a book should do.

I'm not sure what category to place this one in. It's historical in a sense but it isn't the history we all know. Alternative reality perhaps? We meet the Cahill sisters in the year 1896 in a small Maine town. New England was once a haven for women, for witches from around the world. They fled here in search of a new life and they found one. But of course, things didn’t' exactly work out the way they planned.

The world Cate lives in a fearful one. She knows her place, or at least, she should know it but it's hard. This is an unforgiving world and mistakes are not forgiven.

Final verdict:
Wow though! Really just wow! The overall experience of reading Born Wicked is one that has stayed with me. The ending really blew me away. I really wanted everything to fall into place. I really wanted Cate to have her happily ever after and I really wanted to see someone pay for what had been done. Did I get my wishes? You'll just have to find out for yourselves!

With so much more that could be told, I'm really curious as to what direction book 2 will go in. Same characters I've grown to love and hate? New ones to fall in love with or wish harm upon? I'm not sure but I do know that waiting until next year to find out will be a little torturous.

A fantastic debut - Jessica is an author I will be keeping my eye on!

Overall Rating:
5 / 5 Stars

Books in The Cahill Witch Chronicles:
#1 Born Wicked
#2 Star Cursed - February 2013

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

BEA Book Haul

I tried not to go crazy this year and only focused on books I really wanted. It was still hard not to walk away with too much!

Here is most of what I picked up last week either from publisher booths, signings, directly from publicists (because they are awesome!) or at publisher and author events.

Sorry for the lack of links!

Finished Copies
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Ferocity Summer by Alissa Grosso
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Partials by Dan Wells
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Destined (Wings #4) by Aprilynne Pike


ARCs released in May 2012
The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

ARCs released in June 2012
A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

ARCs released in July 2012
The Wishing Well by Chris Colfer
The Last Policeman by Ben Winters

ARCs released in August 2012
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman
False Memory by Dan Krokos
A Mutiny In Time by James Dashner
Every Day by David Levithan
Angelfall by Susan Ee

ARCs released in September 2012
Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington
In a Glass Grimmly (A Tale Dark and Grimm #2) by Adam Gidwitz
Fathomless (Fairytale Retellings #3) by Jackson Pearce
Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Soibhan Vivian
Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Below (Floors #2) by Patrick Carman
The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
The Infects by Sean Beaudoin
Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Origin by Jessica Khoury
Undead by Kirsty Mckay
Amber House by Kelly Moore
Daylight Saving by Edward Hogan
The City's Son by Tom Pollock
The Diviners by Libba Bray

ARCs released in October 2012
Red Rain by R.L. Stine
Crewel by Gennifer Albin
Deviants by Maureen McGowan
Beta by Rachel Cohn
Freakling by Lana Krumwiede
Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messengerby Catherynne M. Valente
The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There (Fairyland #2)
Sanctum by Sarah Fine
Feedback (Variant #2) by Robison Wells
Dark Lord by Jamie Thomson
Ashen Winter (Ashfall #2) by Mike Mullin
The Terror of Black Eagle Tavern (The Paranormalists #2) by Megan Atwood
The Turning by Francine Prose
Zom-B by Darren Shan
Venom by Fiona Paul
Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

ARCs released in November 2012
Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Future We Left Behind (Point 4 #2) by Mike A. Lancaster

ARCs released in December 2012
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

ARCs released in January 2013
Altered by Jennifer Rush
Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

ARCs released in May 2013
The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble

Monday, June 11, 2012

BEA Recap - short and sweet!


I'm back!!!

NYC was awesome, my roommates were awesome, BEA was awesome, spending time with my family was awesome -- so much awesomeness in fact, that I'm falling asleep while I type this :)

I got home yesterday and to say I'm tired would be an understatement. But it's a good kind of tired and even as I'm falling asleep I'm itching to get all my books unpacked and pet them neatly place them on my shelves.

And speaking of petting...that did actually happen...but that's a story for another time....

So! To recap

Some good things were said at the Book Blogger's Convention (I took notes) but the only thing I can think of right now is Jennifer Weiner quote of "Don't poke the crazy" -- a good rule of thumb for many aspects of life.

Not sure if the BBC was worth the money or the time...I'm still thinking things over actually. Some of the panels were interesting but I'm not sure I learned much. I wish the breakfast and lunch author meet and greets were organized a little better and I wish bloggers were able to pair off more by genre. If it's held again next year? Unless some changes are made, I don't see myself going.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the exhibit floor were filled with TONS of fantastic people. The publicists were wonderful, the bloggers (both new to me and old friends) were wonderful and the authors were amazing.

I can honestly say that my experience was pretty perfect. Aside from some cranky moments on my part (mostly due to a fall I took that messed up my knee more then I realized) I didn't let things bother me much so it was easy to go with the flow. Even when that flow was crushing me (to death! ;)

My favorite moment? Meeting this guy!
R.L. STINE!!!!!!
nuff said

This was my 3rd BEA but it was the first year I was invited to a few publisher events. No pics of those (I am sooooo bad at taking pictures). Not gonna lie, it felt pretty amazing being invited and I had a great time!

I was also invited to an awesome rooftop party. Me and rooftops? Not so much! This is as close as I would get:
Seriously, if I had gotten any closer to the edge of the roof I would have lost my s**t.

The views were pretty spectacular though and the food was decorated with book cover toothpicks! I wanted to steal them all!

All in all, my BEA was pretty amazing.. I told myself I wasn't going to come home with as many books as I did last year and I'm pretty sure I didn't. I did pick up a few that I don't think I'll be reading but those are going straight to my local teen librarian.

And speaking of the books, that post will be up soon!

It's good to be back - hope you guys had a great week :)

Monday, June 4, 2012

BEA Time

Hi guys :)

As you're reading this I'm beginning my BEA / vacation week of awesomeness!

Along with BEA happenings over the next couple of days, I'm spending some time with friends and family.

SO!

I won't be around much for the next week or so.

I don't have my computer with me, but for real time updates of BEA and NYC happenings, you can follow me on Tumblr and Twitter!

I'll be Tweeting and ...Tumbling? all week from my phone :)

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

If you're in NY and want to meet up, Twitter is probably the best way to reach me (@WilowRedHouse)


If you're visiting Red House Books for the first time,
WELCOME AND THANKS FOR STOPPING BY :)

I'll be back to regular posting next week.

Happy reading everyone!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

On My Reader (15) - June 2, 2012



On My Reader posts are were I highlight recent ebooks I've added to my digital collection :)

Links are to Goodreads

For Review from NetGalley

September 25, 2012 from Random House

Supper excited for this one! 

So, what's on your reader?

Friday, June 1, 2012

Can't Wait To Get My Hands On...BEA Edition part 2 (20)

These usually weekly posts highlight books I can't wait to get into my hot little hands!

This week's books are all making appearances at BEA next week.

All links are to Goodreads.

May 22nd 2012 by HarperCollins Children's Books

WHAT IS OLDEST WILL BE NEW, WHAT IS LOST SHALL BE FOUND.

The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.

No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.

Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary. (from Goodreads)

September 18th 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first. (from Goodreads)

October 16th 2012 by Disney Hyperion

In a world constructed to absolute perfection, imperfection is difficult to understand—and impossible to hide.

Elysia is a clone, created in a laboratory, born as a sixteen year old girl, an empty vessel with no life experience to draw from. She is a Beta, an experimental model of teenaged clone. She was replicated from another teenage girl, who had to die in order for Elysia to be created.

Elysia's purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air there induces a strange, euphoric high that only the island's workers—soulless clones like Elysia—are immune to.

At first, Elysia's new life on this island paradise is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne's human residents, the most privileged people in the world who should want for nothing, yearn. And, she comes to realize that beneath its flawless exterior, there is an undercurrent of discontent amongst Demesne's worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care—so why are overpowering sensations clouding Elysia's mind?

If anyone discovers that Elysia isn't the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When Elysia's one chance at happiness is ripped away from her with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she's always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive. (from Goodreads)

December 18th 2012 by Disney Hyperion

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have been cursed with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby has spent nearly half her life desperately trying to hide the fact that she’s outwitted the camp’s sorting system—that she isn’t powerless, or safe. She’s one of the dangerous ones… and everyone knows what happens to them.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of teens who escaped their own camp, pursued along the way by terrifying bounty hunters. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close to him. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Before the end, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living. (from Goodreads)

September 18th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste. (from Goodreads)