Waiting on Wednesday: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Description:

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel. 

Why?

1. I'm not one for angel novels, but this one just sounds interesting.  Who wouldn't want to read about angelic beings who are in charge of the past present future... Kind of hints towards Dickens' Christmas Carol.
2. Of course, what novel would be complete without some form of conflict, and what better conflict than hot childhood crush against the new brotherhood she has joined?  Perfect!
3. Look at this cover! Beautiful!  It has just enough mystical, paired with just enough substance that you can't help but want to pick it up to see what it is about.  

So what are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!


Cana

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

Description:


When Harry Crewe's father dies, she leaves her Homeland to travel east, to Istan, the last outpost of the Homelander empire, where her elder brother is stationed.

Harry is drawn to the bleak landscape of the northeast frontier, so unlike the green hills of her Homeland. The desert she stares across was once a part of the great kingdom of Damar, before the Homelanders came from over the seas. Harry wishes she might cross the sands and climb the dark mountains where no Homelander has ever set foot, where the last of the old Damarians, the Free Hillfolk, still live. She hears stories that the Free Hillfolk possess strange powers -- that they work magic -- that it is because of this that they remain free of the Homelander sway.

When the king of the Free Hillfolk comes to Istan to ask that the Homelanders and the Hillfolk set their enmity aside to fight a common foe, the Homelanders are reluctant to trust his word, and even more reluctant to believe his tales of the Northerners: that they are demonkind, not human.

Harry's destiny lies in the far mountains that she once wished to climb, and she will ride to the battle with the North in the Hill-king's army, bearing the Blue Sword, Gonturan, the chiefest treasure of the Hill-king's house and the subject of many legends of magic and mystery.

My Review:

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Harry has moved to Istan after her father passed away to be closer to her brother Richard. After several months of being there, Corlath, King of the Free Hill People (the natives of Damar, AKA Istan) arrives to speak of a danger coming from the North. The failed attempt to create an alliance becomes an opportunity for Corlath to save his people by kidnapping Harry. She is then taught the ways of Damar, become the great woman warrior bearing the blue sword. But with Harry, will they win the battle against the North?


This beautiful story is to me is almost the way history goes, only with magic. The Homeland Empire has started to take control of most of Damar, to the point that they rename it Istan. Harry has been raised as a good Homelander girl, though she has always felt out of place. When she see the opportunity that is available to her after being kidnapped, she takes advantage of it.


My favorite character is Corlath, his broody moods, and his secrets as he tries to save his people. He knows by kidnapping Harry, he has a chance to create an enemy for his people, but for him, it is worth the risk.


This novel has action, a wonderful description on the culture of Damar, and plenty of humor to keep you engaged in the story. You will want to cheer for Harry as she wins the tournament, and yell at Corlath to tell her what is in his heart. You will want to ask all sorts of questions of Luth, since you know he knows it all.


I love this novel, and I highly recommend it. Just waiting to see what else Robin McKinley is going to be cooking up!

Happy Reading!


Cana

What Are You Reading Monday?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

What I read last week:

Plus a few books you'll never know about :)

Currently Reading:

And maybe a few more just for the fun of it!

Next Week's Reading:

I haven't decided yet, and I think I'll just have to surprise you all about it next week :)

Happy Reading!

Cana

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

Description:

This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beastelicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story. In this version, Beauty is not as beautiful as her older sisters, who are both lovely and kind. Here, in fact, Beauty has no confidence in her appearance but takes pride in her own intelligence, her love of learning and books, and her talent in riding. She is the most competent of the three sisters, which proves essential when they are forced to retire to the country because of their father's financial ruin.

The plot follows that of the renowned legend: Beauty selflessly agrees to inhabit the Beast's castle to spare her father's life. Beauty's gradual acceptance of the Beast and the couple's deepening trust and affection are amplified in novel form. Robin McKinley's writing has the flavor of another century, and Beauty heightens the authenticity as a reliable and competent narrator.

My Review:

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We all know the story of Beauty and the Beast. This tale is told from Beauty's POV. Her real name is Honor, and she is the third daughter of a wealthy merchant. When her father looses all they have to a failed business venture, they move up north to start over. But one day, her father has to go back to their old home town for a ship has come back. And on his way back to the family, he gets lost in a blizzard. He happens upon the Beast's castle. After staying the night, the old merchant takes a rose for Beauty since he was unable to get her anything in the city. For the theft of the rose, the Beast demands Beauty to come and live with him. Beauty willingly goes, but regrets it as every night the Beast asks her to marry him. She knows that there is something wrong, that this isn't "normal", but will she find out in time to save the Beast?


This beautiful retelling of the classic story is given new life by Robin McKinley. Beauty is a selfless character who loves her family,but feels awkward as the "ugly" daughter. She is a hard worker, but has an extreme love for books (Thus another reason for this avid reader to love this character!).


For me, though, the Beast is my favorite character. Unlike some B & B stories where Beauty changes the Beast, the Beast has already changed in this story. He is repentant for what he has done, but is still waiting for the right girl to release him from his curse. He is gentle and kind, and only desires to be human again, but who wouldn't after centuries of being a beast?


I really love Bessie and Lydia... think of the cutest (most annoying) older busy-buddy, and make them invisible (but you can still hear them), and that is what you have in Bessie and Lydia. They are hilarious!


I absolutely love this story. The magic of this novel is unlike any that I have read before or after. It is a perfectly blended piece of work that leads you to want to read it over and over again. I've been reading it since I was in middle school, and it is my go-to novel when my life is in the dumps. That should say how great it is... I've been reading this book over and over for 15 years!


Love this book, highly recommend it, and can't wait to see what Robin McKinley is going to write next!




Happy Reading!


Cana

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Description:


Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.


My Review:

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a world where aliens have started to take over human bodies, a few "wild" humans roam the earth. When Melanie gets caught and becomes a host to Wanderer, life seem pretty bleak as Wanderer tries to stay in control. But then something changes, and as Melanie and Wanderer try to find those they both love, the dangers and the lessons that happen will change them both.


So think "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" only modern, and way cooler. Wanderer isn't part of the invasion, but rather a new colonist waiting to live out her life until she is ready to move on to the next body. Melanie is trying to protect her brother and the man she loves from being changed by the aliens. This story might start out slow, but you can be sure that the energy and action that happens will keep you on the edge of your seat. I will admit that there are parts of this book that made me snot cry (That specific cry where the tears/snot blend and you don't know where one begins and the other one ends). But it was so worth it. PLUS, the ending leaves you with a surprising twist that is a wonderful lead up to more in this series (come on 2012!)


This is a beautiful story. Wanderer is one of the most selfless characters you will read about. Once she gets over the fact that her human is still in there with her, and they start working together, the way she would sacrifice to make Melanie happy is beyond my comprehension.


Jarrod and Ian make the ultimate love square with Melanie and Wanderer... If you don't understand this concept, then you definitely need to read this book. Personally, I'm more of a fan of Ian than Jarrod... I personally would pick Ian!


The descriptions of the desert, the back story of being Wanderer, it is all beautiful. I love the description of Wanderer in her true form, and how Ian talks about how beautiful she is.


This book did have me a bit on edge, especially when going out after dark.  Anything that flashed kind of silver had me jumping, but it was still worth it to read this book!


I highly recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to seeing more with Wanderer and Melanie.




Happy Reading!


Cana

Follow Friday (11)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com andAlisoncanread.com

Q. If you could pick one character in a book, movie or television show to swap places with, who would it be?

A. I would be Kale from the Dragonkeeper Chronicles.  She is a wonderfully strong character that is still learning of her own importance to Wulder (the God of that world) and to her self.  She can find dragon eggs, and she has a legion of little dragons, plus Cerise her riding dragon... I love dragons, so of course I would want to be her.  Plus, Bardon isn't so bad... :)

So what about you?

Happy Reading!


Cana

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong

Description:


Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…

After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven.

My Review:

Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Serena is a new guardian angel, trying to earn her wings. Julian is an Archdemon who can't seem to get her out of his mind. Thrown together by the divine and desire, it is a battle for both their souls. For if one falls, both could end up in Hell.


Overall, this is a good story. It isn't just a story of good versus evil, but also love versus lust, serving yourself versus serving others. Where do you draw the line? Serena is constantly serving others, without thought for her safety, while Julian is self-serving, to the point of excess.


I didn't really like Serena. She was an extremely naive 24 year old angel. But what bothered me the most is how in 200 pages she went from naive and innocent to worldly and pole dancing.... Not seeing how that happened. I personally preferred Julian's character. He was struggling with his past for over 250 years. He felt that there was no option for him but hell. But the book kept saying that redemption was always available.


Unfortunately, this book didn't have a lot of laughable moments for me. Frustration-- yes. Sorrow-- definitely. A happy buzz when they FINALLY hooked up-- sure. But overall, it was more of a serious romance piece than some of the "lighter" novels I normally read.


I like the ending. There were enough loose ends left that a series could be continued without too much trouble. But it also tied up quite a few loose ends, so that readers didn't throw the book (or the e-reader) at the wall.


Overall, it is a good book, and I recommend it.


**Adult scenes involved.  Not appropriate for all readers.**


Happy Reading!


Cana