Waiting on Wednesday #56

When Reason Breaks by Cindy L. Rodriguez
Series: N/A
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: February 10, 2015

13 Reasons Why meets the poetry of Emily Dickinson in this gripping debut novel perfect for fans of Sara Zarr or Jennifer Brown.

A Goth girl with an attitude problem, Elizabeth Davis must learn to control her anger before it destroys her. Emily Delgado appears to be a smart, sweet girl, with a normal life, but as depression clutches at her, she struggles to feel normal. Both girls are in Ms. Diaz’s English class, where they connect to the words of Emily Dickinson. Both are hovering on the edge of an emotional precipice. One of them will attempt suicide. And with Dickinson’s poetry as their guide, both girls must conquer their personal demons to ever be happy.

In an emotionally taut novel with a richly diverse cast of characters, readers will relish in the poetry of Emily Dickinson and be completely swept up in the turmoil of two girls grappling with demons beyond their control.

"When Reason Breaks is infused with a rare blend of suspense and sensitivity, despair and hope. The poetic spirit of Emily Dickinson shines through the gloom of daily struggles faced by modern teens, as they discover the possibilities where they dwell."

--Margarita Engle

Newbery Honor-winning author of The Surrender Tree

This looks so fantastically sad, and I really loved Thirteen Reasons Why, so maybe this will be a good book for me. And look at how pretty the cover is!
  

Waiting on Wednesday #55

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma
Series: N/A
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: March 24, 2015

“Ori’s dead because of what happened out behind the theater, in the tunnel made out of trees. She’s dead because she got sent to that place upstate, locked up with those monsters. And she got sent there because of me.”

The Walls Around Us is a ghostly story of suspense told in two voices—one still living and one long dead. On the outside, there’s Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement. On the inside, within the walls of a girls’ juvenile detention center, there’s Amber, locked up for so long she can’t imagine freedom. Tying these two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls’ darkest mysteries.

We hear Amber’s story and Violet’s, and through them Orianna’s, first from one angle, then from another, until gradually we begin to get the whole picture—which is not necessarily the one that either Amber or Violet wants us to see.

Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and innocence, and what happens when one is mistaken for the other.

God, doesn't this just sound so spooky and amazing? I want it. O.O
 

Waiting on Wednesday #54

Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah
Series: N/A
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: October 8, 2014

After her little sister mysteriously vanishes, seventeen-year-old Claire Graham has a choice to make: stay snug in her little corner of Manhattan with her dropout boyfriend, or go back to Ohio to face the hometown tragedy she's been dying to leave behind.

But the memories of that night still haunt her in the city, and as hard as she tries to forget what her psychiatrist calls her "delusions," Claire can't seem to escape the wolf's eyes or the blood-speckled snow. Delusion or reality, Claire knows she has to hold true to the most important promise she's ever made: to keep Ella safe. She must return to her sleepy hometown in order to find Ella and keep her hallucinations at bay before they strike again. But time is quickly running out, and as Ella's trail grows fainter, the wolves are becoming startlingly real.

Now Claire must deal with her attraction to Grant, the soft-spoken boy from her past that may hold the secret to solving her sister's disappearance, while following the clues that Ella left for only her to find. Through a series of cryptic diary entries, Claire must unlock the keys to Ella's past—and her own—in order to stop another tragedy in the making, while realizing that not all things that are lost are meant to be found.

Doesn't this storyline just seem so intriguing? I love the idea that maybe Claire isn't really delusional. And I'd for sure like to know whether or not she is! I'm hoping this is as good as it looks!

Waiting on Wednesday #53

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
Series: N/A
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: January 13, 2015

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Doesn't this just sound like the most amazing fairytale-slash-Holly Black book ever? It sounds so dark and twisted... I've got to get my hands on it when it comes out! And look at the pretty cover!

Waiting on Wednesday #52

Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay
Series: N/A
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: March 17, 2015

One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore.

And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back?

Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.

Doesn't this book sound rocking awesome? Haven't you ever just wondered... what if? What if that hadn't happened, or I hadn't met this person... how different would I be now? Would I be better or worse? I hope this book addresses all of that, because if so... WHOA.

Waiting on Wednesday #51

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Series: N/A
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication Date: January 27, 2015

Cody and Meg were inseparable.
Two peas in a pod.
Until . . . they weren’t anymore.

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

I Was Here is Gayle Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.

Wow... this book sounds so heartbreaking. I went to just read every page, and I want it to be a crying book, because I haven't had one of those in a while. This just might be the book to break me, y'all. And I know you've all been waiting for that.

Also, does anyone else just love love love that cover? It's so perfect and beautiful.

Waiting on Wednesday #50

The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

WoW! Fifty Waiting on Wednesdays are under my belt - I'm feeling pretty awesome, LOL! That's fifty different weeks, fifty different books, fifty different authors... that is beyond cool! I just thought that it deserved mentioning. Now onto this week's pick. ;)

In light of this weeks's specialness, I've chosen a very special book - the last book in the new Percy Jackson series, and the end of our revisit. And lemme just say, if Uncle Rick kills one of our babies, the fandom will be on him... and he probably won't make it either. Just sayin'. But anyways, I'm super excited to see how this series turns out - again. LOL!

Waiting on Wednesday #49

White Zombie by Richard Paul Denney
Series: N/A
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: January, 2015

She was not alive... nor dead... just a white zombie.


In an alternate world where mechanical horses pull carriages, hoodoo magic is all around, and eerie zombies roam the streets, Seventeen-year-old Ella Potter and her fiance Harper Goodwin return to her hometown to become husband and wife. But a boy she once knew is devising a sinister plan to keep her for himself and get rid of her beloved fiance.

Woot, woot! Steampunk - and look at that beautiful cover! It's so freaking pretty! And zombies and Hoodoo? Sounds like a really fun read! :D

Waiting on Wednesday #48

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper
Series: N/A
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: September 23, 2014

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island’s whale men safe and prosperous at sea. But before she could learn how to control her power, her mother, the first Roe woman in centuries to turn her back on magic, stole Avery away from her grandmother. Avery must escape from her mother before her grandmother dies, taking with her the secrets of the Roes’ power.

When Avery awakens from a dream foretelling her own murder, she realizes time is running short—for her and for the people of her island, who, without the Roes, will lose their ships and the only life they know.

With the help of Tane, a tattooed harpoon boy from the Pacific Islands, Avery plots her escape from her mother and unravels the mysteries of her mother’s and grandmother’s pasts. Becoming a witch may prevent her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers it will also require a sacrifice she never expected—one she might not be able to make.

Woot! Witches, magic, and a tattooed harpoon boy? Count me in! I want to read this!

Waiting on Wednesday #47

The Unhappening of Genesis Lee by Shallee McArthur
Series: N/A
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Publication Date: November 4, 2014

Seventeen-year-old Genesis Lee has never forgotten anything. As one of the Mementi—a small group of genetically-enhanced humans—Gena remembers everything with the help of her Link bracelets, which preserve memories perfectly. But Links can be stolen, and six people have already lost their lives to a memory thief, including Gena’s best friend.

Anyone could be next. Which is why Gena is less than pleased to meet a strange but charming boy named Kalan who claims that they’ve not only met, but that Gena knows who the thief is.

The problem is, Gena doesn’t remember Kalan, she doesn’t remember seeing the thief, and she doesn’t know why she’s forgetting things— or how much else she might forget. As growing tensions between Mementi and ordinary humans drive the city of Havendale into chaos, Gena and Kalan team up to search for the thief. And as Gena loses more memories, they realize they have to solve the mystery fast.

Because Gena’s life is unhappening around her.

Huh. Looks like an interesting new dystopian/sci-fi, don't you think? And I love the cover! I guess I'll be giving this one a shot! :)

Waiting on Wednesday #46

Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke
Series: N/A
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Publication Date: October 14, 2014

Hot girls get the fairy tales. No one cares about the stepsisters' story. Those girls don't get a sweet little ending; they get a lifetime of longing

Imogen Keegen has never had a happily ever after–in fact, she doesn’t think they are possible. Ever since her mother’s death seven years ago, Imogen has pulled herself in and out of therapy, struggled with an “emotionally disturbed” special ed. label, and loathed her perma-plus-sized status.

When Imogen’s new stepsister, the evil and gorgeous Ella Cinder, moves in down the hall, Imogen begins losing grip on the pieces she’s been trying to hold together. The only things that gave her solace–the theatre, cheese fries, and her best friend, Grant–aren’t enough to save her from her pain this time.

While Imogen is enjoying her moment in the spotlight after the high school musical, the journal pages containing her darkest thoughts get put on display. Now, Imogen must resign herself to be crushed under the ever-increasing weight of her pain, or finally accept the starring role in her own life story.

And maybe even find herself a happily ever after.

I've always loved the idea that the princesses from these stories weren't the best people - that maybe they didn't deserve a happy ending, so I'm glad to see that there's finally going to be a book about it! Yay for twisted fairytales!

Waiting on Wednesday #45

Breathe For Me by Rhonda Helms
Series: N/A
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: August 5, 2014

Isabel’s been cursed since the Middle Ages.

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, she made a hasty bargain with a demon, asking for liberation from an oppressive husband-to-be and the excitement of travel. But the demon’s “gift” came at a steep cost. Each time he moves her to a new city, her memory’s wiped. No one can touch her bare skin without injury or even death. And she sees the lifespan of every living being (and is, in fact, immortal herself).

All a constant reminder that she’s different than other teen girls.

But New Orleans seems to accept her as she is. She has friends and a real life in this quirky, hot city. Then Isabel meets Dominic, whose deep soul and strong character draw her to him. Her growing love gives her the courage to confront the demon, insisting the curse be broken. But the demon’s price for freedom is much, much higher than she could possibly give.

Cursed since the middle ages? That sounds awesome! Well, not awesome but the book sounds awesome! And I love the cover - it's so pretty!

Waiting on Wednesday #44

Creed by Trisha Leaver
Series: N/A
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: November 8, 2014

Three went in. Three came out. None even a shadow of who they once were.

When their car breaks down, Dee, her boyfriend Luke, and his brother Mike walk through a winter storm to take refuge in a nearby town called Purity Springs. When they arrive, the emergency sirens are blaring and the small farming town seems abandoned. With no other shelter, they spend the night in an empty house.

But they soon discover that not everything in Purity Springs is as it seems. When the town's inhabitants suddenly appear the next morning, Dee, Luke, and Mike find themselves at the mercy of the charismatic leader, Elijah Hawkins, who plans to make Dee his new wife. Elijah's son, Joseph, offers to help them escape . . . but the price of his help may be more than Dee and her friends can bear.

Holy crap, this sounds amazing you guys! It sounds deliciously scary - and weird! I can't wait to read it! :D

Waiting on Wednesday #43

They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Clair
Series: N/A
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: October 14, 2014

Pretty Little Liars meets Final Destination in this YA psychological thriller that will have readers' hearts racing right till the very end!

Every year, the lives of ten girls at Vienna High are transformed.

All because of the list.

Kenzie Summerall can't imagine how she's been voted onto a list of the hottest girls in school, but when she lands at number five, her average life becomes dazzling. Doors open to the best parties, new friends surround her, the cutest jock in school is after her.

This is the power of the list. If you're on it, your life changes.

If you're on it this year? Your life ends.

O.O Sounds intriguing! I love thrillers, so I'm really interested to see what this one brings. My only fear? That it won't be scary enough! I love that cover!!

Waiting on Wednesday #42

The Half Life of Molly Pierce by Katrina Leno
Series: N/A
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: July 8, 2014

You take it for granted. Waking up. Going to school, talking to your friends. Watching a show on television or reading a book or going out to lunch.

You take for granted going to sleep at night, getting up the next day, and remembering everything that happened to you before you closed your eyes.

You live and you remember.

Me, I live and I forget.

But now—now I am remembering. 

For all of her seventeen years, Molly feels like she’s missed bits and pieces of her life. Now, she’s figuring out why. Now, she’s remembering her own secrets. And in doing so, Molly uncovers the separate life she seems to have led…and the love that she can’t let go.

The Half Life of Molly Pierce is a suspenseful, evocative psychological mystery about uncovering the secrets of our pasts, facing the unknowns of our futures, and accepting our whole selves

Doesn't the synopsis of this book just sound delicious?