The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2

THE WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS:
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Stay A Little Longer!

When Sam lost his wolf skin for good it was a miracle, one too good to be true, one that he was thankful for everyday as it brought him closer to the one he loved; it brought him closer to Grace. Being with Grace was the only future Sam could see for himself, the only future he wanted. But just when he thought that future was within his grasp, everything began to fall apart.

Grace had lost Sam in the past to the cold and the woods, she had watched as his eyes watched her through the face of a wolf. But now Sam was Sam, a boy, human and going to stay that way. Now they could be together, or so they thought. Grace has to fight not only those around her but her inner wolf if she is to hold on to the boy she loves. But it is getting harder and harder to stay with Sam, and to stay as Grace.

Linger is a thrilling tale of loss, love and change. After risking all to find each other Sam and Grace now have to fight with everything they have to stay together as it seems the world is conspiring to tear them apart. Sam has taken on new responsibilities and with them new fears, while Grace is facing new challenges and deadly new dangers. For Sam becoming a wolf is all in the past, for Grace becoming a wolf is her future. A beautiful, raw and emotional look at love, wishes and werewolves.

Maggie Stiefvater Webpage

Maggie Stiefvater @ Scholastic

The Wolves of Mercy Falls

On sale: 01 August 2010
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780545123280
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Change
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Thankfulness!

Minli's world is dull, shadowed by the dark mountain, lying beside the murky river with only the muddy rice fields for company. The only bright spot in Minli's world is the colourful stories her father told her in the evenings after a hard days work in the rice fields. Minli's father had many stories and Minli had many questions, but always her father told her 'that is a question you will have to ask the Old Man of the Moon'. So one day Minli decided to do just that.

On the instructions of a talking fish Minli leaves her home in search of Never-Ending Mountain, the home of the Old Man of the Moon. Minli has many questions, but the one she wishes to know the answer to most of all is how her mother and father may be happier and not have to spend their lives working so hard for so little. On the way Minli meets dragons, monkeys, Kings, tigers and a little white rabbit all in her quest to change her family's fortune.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a fable of friendship, belief and thoughtfulness. It is a timeless story about a girl who believes in fairytales and sets out on an impossible journey, along the way picking up both stories and friends in her quest. A cast of colourful characters demonstrate the true meaning of friendship, courage, good fortune, and happiness. It is easy to see why this delightful book was awarded the 2010 Newbery Honor.

Grace Lin Webpage
Grace Lin @ Hachette Children's

On sale: 01 June 2010

Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9780316122696
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Moon
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Sookie Stackhouse #10

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Family Matters!

Sookie is coming to terms both physically and emotionally with the outcome of the recent Fairy War. Not only have lives been lost including Claudine's, her cousin and fairy godmother, but others have left her with no prospect of returning. Amelia is returning to New Orleans and Niall and the fairies have left this world for their fairy land never to return.

For a woman with little family remaining Sookie is inundated with family requests. Claude, Sookie's gorgeous and arrogant cousin, asks to move in but he is not the only fairy prowling around Sookie's home. Hunter's father Remy asks for assistance with Hunter's gift and Jason, thankfully, is settling down again spending more quality time with his sister.

But Sookie is not the only one to be affected by family. Bill, still suffering from silver poisoning, pays a family visit and is intern paid a visit by long lost 'family'. And with her recent marriage to Eric, and the blood bond between them, Sookie is feeling the effects of the in-laws more acutely then ever when Eric is plagued by 'family' of his own.

Dead in the Family sees family descend and their problems dictate over the lives of Sookie and her friends as only family can. But when your family feuds involve vampires and fairies someone is likely to end up seriously maimed, if not staked. But you can hardly refuse family, even if they are unwelcome and unwanted. Another Sookie tale that is as addictive and bloody as ever.

Charlaine Harris Webpage
Charlaine Harris @ Hachette

Sookie Stackhouse

On sale: 01 June 2010
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575089334
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Family
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
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Token of Darkness

Persistence of Memory & Token of Darkness
by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Darkness Surrounds!

Token of Darkness
After the accident Cooper questioned weather he would survive. He also questioned his sanity for ever since he awoke in the hospital Cooper has been the only one to be able to see Samantha, a ghost who has been constantly by his side. The trauma that Cooper has experienced has left him feeling alone and isolated and if not for Samantha he would be.

Samantha wants nothing more then to have her own body, Cooper thinks maybe she would be better off finding the light or whatever it is ghosts need to move on, but either way Cooper want to help Samantha as she was there for him when he need support. However the more Cooper finds out about Samantha the less likely it is that she is a ghost, but if she's not then what is she and how far will she go to get what she wants?

Token of Darkness delves into the shadows of the past to find the painful truth behind the events that have shaped Cooper and Samantha's bond. However it is not until some out of body experiences and a strange case of body swapping do they find the key to understanding this connection. A pervasive story where ignorance can be as dangerous as the pursuit of power. This second story in this two story book is just as compelling as the first and will leave you just as haunted.

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Webpage

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes @ Random House

The Den of Shadows

On sale: 04 January 2011
Price (AU): $24.95
ISBN: 9781742750774
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Change
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Persistence of Memory

Persistence of Memory & Token of Darkness
by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

It's All In Your Mind!

Persistence of Memory
Erin is not your average seventeen year old, as much as she would love to be, she has a team of doctors and a purse full of pills that she must take or bad things will happen, bad things named Shevaun. Shevaun is dangerous and violent and exactly who Erin becomes in times of stress and anxiety.

Erin has kept her alter ego at bay for long enough to be trusted out among the general population. However when Shevaun finally becomes aware of Erin she is none to happy about it and with two people inhabiting the one body disaster is bound to follow. One of them has to go, but will it be the frail seventeen year old Erin or the deadly vampire Shevaun?

Persistence of Memory is a true mystery story that will have you questioning Erin's sanity, Shevauns existence and the possibilities that exist within dreams. As two lives collide the consequences for Erin and Shevaun will be life changing as past actions, persistent memories and old friends come together. This is a fascinating world where love crosses boundaries and nothing is as it seems. This story alone is worth buying this two story book.

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Webpage

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes @ Random House

The Den of Shadows

On sale: 04 January 2011
Price (AU): $24.95
ISBN: 9781742750774
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Identity
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Zombies vs Unicorns

Zombies vs Unicorns
by Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie)
& Holly Black (Team Unicorn)

Which Team Are You On!

How many times have you asked yourself 'which is the better creature, Zombies or Unicorns?' Now you can wonder no longer as this anthology puts that question to rest, or slays it with a sharp pointy object depending on your view point. Then again it may just dig up a whole pile of gross human remains which only goes to spark this debate once again.

Zombies, although only born in more recent times, have a wide reaching appeal. But not all zombies are slow mindless creatures, although some certainly are, as some are calculating and resourceful who are able to blend in to the world around them for the most part, that is if they can control their desire for that culinary delicacy that is human brains.

Unicorns have always existed either as symbols of purity and hope or as vicious blood thirsty killers. But even while ripping your heart out these unicorns are still able to fart rainbows and sparkle with magic. Their impossible existence is always questioned but their ability to charm has never failed, well not on anyone still living.

Zombies Vs Unicorns answers the age old question 'would you rather be killed by a Unicorn or loved by a Zombie?' As surprisingly it is the Zombie stories that are more to do with love and the Unicorn stories that are more to do with death. Even though I have long been an admirer of Unicorns with their intriguing nature and timelessness I must admit that Zombies are very compelling and haunting. Decide for yourself which creature reins supreme and read this book.

Justine Larbalestier Webpage
Libba Bray Webpage
Cassandra Clare Webpage
Alaya Dawn Johnson Webpage
Maureene Johnson Webpage
Carrie Ryan Webpage
Scott Westerfeld Webpage

Holly Black Webpage
Meg Cabot Webpage
Kathleen Duey Webpage
Margo Lanagan Webpage
Garth Nix Webpage
Naomi Novik Webpage
Diana Peterfreund Webpage

Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black @ Allen & Unwin

Zombies vs Unicorns

On sale: 01 November 2010
Price (AU): $18.99
ISBN: 9781742375502
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Zombies/Unicorns
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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House of Dolls

House of Dolls by Francesca Lia Block

There Was Something Missing!

Wildflower, Rockstar and Miss Selene live a quiet and isolated life away from all the sadness and pain of the real world, surrounded only by all that is beautiful and loving. That is until their world came into the hands of a little girl called Madison Blackberry.

Madison Blackberry is a lonely little girl who is bored with her life and jealous of everyone about her. Vulnerable and powerless in her own world she takes out her pain on the doll house and its occupants Wildflower, Rockstar and Miss Selene.

House of Dolls is an enchantingly illustrated fable that demonstrates that being little does not mean being insignificant. Beautifully written, this is a touching and tender story of life and lives intertwined, showing how our actions affect others and how in small ways we can change someone's world. A simply enchanting and powerful story for children and adults alike.

Francesca Lia Block Webpage
Francesca Lia Block @ Harper Collins

On sale: 17 August 2010
Price (AU): $27.99
ISBN: 9780061130946
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Dolls
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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2011 Reading Challenge: Short Story Challenge

J.Kaye's Book Blog is running a Short Story Challenge and I thought it would be fun to see just how many short story collections I read this year. To make it interesting, and because I don't usually read a lot of short story collections, I'm setting a minimum goal of 6.

Here are the rules:
1. The goal is to read short story collections. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the Post Your Reviews post.

2. Any collection of short stories counts.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st and continues through the end of December, 2011.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

Books read so far:
1. Zombies Vs Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black
2. Yellowcake by Margo Lanagan

Short Story Challenge

2/6 books read. 33%done!

2011 Reading Challenge: Aussie Author Challenge

Booklover Book Review is again running the Aussie Author Challenge. In 2010 I read 27 books written by Aussies and this year I hope to complete the True Blue, although again I have tampered with the number of books I am to read as I love reading books by our very talented Aussie Authors.

Objective:Read and review books written by Australian Authors - physical books, ebooks and audiobooks, fiction and non-fiction!

Levels:
1. Tourist - Read and review 3 books by 3 different Australian authors.

2. True Blue - Read and review 12 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 9 different Australian authors)
--For myself I have set a target of 24 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 12 different Australian authors)

Here are the rules:
1. Write a challenge sign-up post on your blog. In that post provide a link to this original post acknowledging Booklover Book Reviews and put this Challenge Button on your sidebar, linking the button to my challenge post.

2. Add your name and the direct link to your Aussie Author Challenge sign-up post in the Challenge Sign-Up Link List below, so myself and other challenge participants can check in and say hi!

3. Each time you read and review a book as part of this challenge, share this with other challenge participants by adding a direct link to the Challenge Book Review Link List below.

4. When you have completed the challenge, add a link to your completion to the Completion Post List Link List below.


Books read so far:
1. Zombies Vs Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black
2. The Well Of Shades by Juliet Marillier
3. Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres
4. Ondine: The Autumn Palace by Ebony McKenna
5. Path Of The Stray by Kim Falconer
6. Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
7. Thyla by Kate Gordon
8. Yellowcake by Margo Lanagan
9. The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner
10. Winter's Shadow by M. J. Hearle
11. Mermaid Magic by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley
12. Merrow by Ananda Braxton-Smith
13. When We Have Wings by Claire Corbett
14. Haunted Heart by Tania Donald
15. Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres
16.Nemesis and the Troll King by Ashley Du Toit

Aussie Author Challenge

16/24 books read. 67%done!

2011 Reading Challenge: 100+ Challenge

In 2010 I participated in the 100+ reading challenge run by J.Kaye's Book Blog and read 110 books. This year I have again decided to take up the challenge. My goal is a minimum of 100, but I do hope to better last years efforts.

Here are the rules:
1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. --Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st and continues through the end of December, 2011.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.


Books read so far:
1. House of Dolls by Francesca Lia Block
2. Zombies Vs Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black
3. Persistence of Memory & Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
4. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
6. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
7. Chelsea Morning by Joni Mitchell & Brian Froud
8. Need by Carrie Jones
9. The Spook's: Bestiary by Joseph Delaney
10. The Well Of Shades by Juliet Marillier
11. Rosebush by Michele Jaffe
12. 0.4 by Mike Lancaster
13. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
14. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
15. Captivate by Carrie Jones
16. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
17. Stork by Wendy Delsol
18. Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres
19. Entice by Carrie Jones
20. Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
21. August by Bernard Beckett
22. Shadowspell by Jenna Black
23. Ondine: The Autumn Palace by Ebony McKenna
24. Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
25. My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent
26. The Hunter's Moon by O. R. Melling
27. The Good Neighbors: Kin by Holly Black
28. The Good Neighbors: Kith by Holly Black
29. Path Of The Stray by Kim Falconer
30. Chime by Franny Billingsley
31. Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
32. the Waters & the Wild by Francesca Lia Block
33. Thyla by Kate Gordon
34. Girlwood by Claire Dean
35. Yellowcake by Margo Lanagan
36. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
37. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
38. The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer
39. Genesis by Bernard Beckett
40. Entangled by Cat Clarke
41. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
42. The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner
43. Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
44. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
45. Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz
46. Illusions by Aprilynne Pike
47. The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley
48. Winter's Shadow by M. J. Hearle
49. Mermaid Magic by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley
50. Banana Kiss by Bonnie Rozanski
51. Arrow by R J Anderson
52. The Goblins Of Labyrinth by Brian Froud & Terry Jones
53. Solid by Shelley Workinger
54. Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
55. Gnomes: Deluxe Edition by Wil Huygen & Rien Poortvliet
56. Desires Of The Dead by Kimberly Derting
57. Before I Go To Sleep by S. L. Watson
58. Merrow by Ananda Braxton-Smith
59. Remedial Magic by Jenna Black
60. The Flight Of The Silver Vixen by Annalinde Matichei
61. Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
62. The Hero Of 1,000 Years by Christine E. Schulze
63. The Curse Of The Dead Woods by Samantha Jillian Bayarr
64. Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson
65. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
66. POD by Stephen Wallenfels
67. Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles
68. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
69. The Strange Case Of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross
70. When We Have Wings by Claire Corbett
71. Forgotten by Cat Patrick
72. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
73. Forever by Maggie Stievater
74. Mommy, Where Do Baby Unicorns Come From? by Renee Adams
75. The Sookie Stackhouse Companion by Charlaine Harris
76. The Mall by S. L. Grey
77. The Story Of Solomon Bear by Phillip Laird
78. Tower Of Parlen Min by Matt Xell
79. Haunted Heart by Tania Donald
80. Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
81. Ecstatic Evil by Amanda McNeil
82. Ultraviolet by R J Anderson
83. Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
84. Coffee at Little Angels by Nadine Rose Larter
85. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
86. In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane
87. Tantony by Ananda Braxton-Smith
88. Fury by Elizabeth Miles
89. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
90. Taken Away by Celine Kiernan
91. Duchess Of Whimsy by Randall & Peter de Seve
92. How To See Faeries by Brian Froud & John Matthews
93. After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
94. Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne
95. Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal by Brian Foud
96. Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres
97. Shift by Em Bailey
98. Nemesis and the Troll King by Ashley Du Toit

98/100 books read. 98%done!