Monday, December 31, 2012

Writing the Year Away

Hey everyone! 

In the last year, I have started writing five different books. I have finished none. My goal was to write three, but I got distracted by lots of really good books that I was reading and chasing after my kiddos. It happens.

But this year, going forth, I will finish writing at least two of those books, and soon.
Its that time of the year to start making goals and sticking to them.

So here goes.

I am going to finish Requiem, Rogue and one of the others that I have started this year. 

That might seem like I am making the same goal as last year, but it's not, last year my goal was to finish editing and publish Neophyte, which I did. Now I am working on getting it picked up by my dream publisher.

By this time next year, Neophyte will be in paper, and I will have three more books for my readers to check out. Mark my words! I am determined!

What goals and resolutions are you committing to tonight?

~M

Friday, December 28, 2012

Books We're Looking Forward to in 2013


Top 10 of 2012 is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of “all things books” of 2012 and what books we’re looking forward to in 2013, co-hosted by: Rachel from FiktshunLisa from A Life Bound By Books, Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Jaime from Two Chicks on BooksMindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Because GReeps Through the Shelves is a group blog with 10 different bloggers, we've decided to challenge ourselves to pick only one book each! Today we'll each share the book we're looking forward to most in 2013.


Lolita's Pick:

Oath Bound (Unbound #3)
by Rachel Vincent 

I have read the first two books in the series and loved both of them. I love the dark world and the awesome characters Rachel Vincent has created. And even though every book features different characters, so far both books had great stories. I can't wait to read this!

Find this on Goodreads



Jen's Pick:

by Victoria Schwab

SO many great books are released each year so I decided to cheat a tad and  pick the first book I'm looking forward to in '13. The Archived releases in January and sounds like such a unique story idea. I can't wait to reat it!

Find this on Goodreads


 
Ashley's Pick:

Ever After (The Hollows #11)
by Kim Harrison

As the series draws to a close, I look forward to each new release in this series with both fanaticism and a touch of dread. A Perfect Blood was not the best in the series, but it was still very good.  I'm hoping Kim picks it up for the newest Rachel Morgan book.

Find this on Goodreads



Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin, #2)
Renée's Pick:

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)
by Robin LaFevers

I think I have over 20 books I'm looking forward to in 2013, but the first book I thought about when I started this post was Dark Triumph. Grave Mercy was my favorite book in 2012, and I can't wait to read Sybella's story.

Find this on Goodreads



Kate's Pick:

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6)
by Ilona Andrews

As all of my GReeps know very well, I am a huge Ilona Andrews fan, especially for their Kate Daniels series, so there's not really any question of what book I'm most anticipating next year. I can't wait until summer!

Find this on Goodreads



Emmalee's Pick:

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
by Cassandra Clare


I have fallen for this series. I got it from the library as an audio book, and I can not wait to find out what happens next!! I also love the little hints and connections to Cassandra's other series, The Mortal Instruments.  I can not wait for this to come out!!!

Find this on Goodreads



Britt's Pick:

Bones of the Lost (Temperance Brennan #16)
Kathy Reichs

The books I am looking most forward to do not have official release dates yet so I will go with a different one that I still do desperately want. I have been a huge fan of both this book series and the oh so different show for years. I am always looking forward to the new installments! No cover yet to share though.

Find this on Goodreads


Sonnie's Pick:

Requiem (Delirium #3)
by Lauren Oliver

So at the end of Pandemonium my brain melted. Seriously. It was that big of a cliff hanger. I don't know why Mrs. Oliver likes to torture us so, but she does! EVERY SINGLE TIME! Who am I kidding, though? We love it!

Find this on Goodreads



Fuse (Pure, #2)Emma's Pick:

by Julianna Baggott

I read the first one this summer and Pure stole my heart. It's a rough book and it's sad but it's also about hope and love. I can't wait to read this one, I loved the ending of the first book and can't wait to read more about Pressia and Partridge.



Krista's Pick:


Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)
By: J. R. Ward


I read all 10 Black Dagger Brotherhood books in 2012 in near succession. They were that. Good. The next book, which will finally bring together (we all hope, anyway) Qhuinn and Blay, is one that I am already having a hard time waiting for. And, I have another three months to go! I hope the Warden does this pairing justice - they deserve to find happiness at long last.

Find this on Goodreads.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Best Book Boyfriends of 2012


Top 10 of 2012 is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of “all things books” of 2012 and what books we’re looking forward to in 2013, co-hosted by: Rachel from FiktshunLisa from A Life Bound By BooksJessica from Confessions of a BookaholicJaime from Two Chicks on BooksMindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Because GReeps Through the Shelves is a group blog with 10 different bloggers, we've decided to challenge ourselves to pick only one book each! Today we'll each share our favorite book boyfriend of 2012.

Ashley's Pick:

Ian Holt
Shadow Bound (Unbound #2)
By Rachel Vincent

Okay, so I really wanted to pick Curran, BUT without an ACTUAL Kate Daniels book being released in 2012, it didn't feel right (yes, Kate, Gunmetal Magic was technically a Kate book, and Curran even makes an appearance, but still).  That's okay, 'cause Ian is a more than adequate second.  The Unbound series is one of my favorite running sagas, and Shadow Bound was even better than Blood Bound.  Ian has it all over Cameron.  I wouldn't kick him out of bed on a cold winter night... come to think of it, I wouldn't kick him out of bed... ever... period... errr exclamation point ;)

Find this on Goodreads



Renée's Pick:

Blue Moon (Holloway Pack, #2)
Sean Holloway
Blue Moon (Holloway Pack #2)
by JA Belfield

Dude, this one is hard! My first and only book-love is Valek (Poison Study). But he's been my one true fictional love since  2010, so I couldn't pick him...
So after careful consideration I picked  Sean. Sean is drop death gorgeous,  has a heart of gold and the love he feels for his mate comes closest to the love I feel for my RL boyfriend. And (and this is maybe the most important reason for picking Sean) if his brother (Ethan) wants to join in, I wouldn't kick him out of bed either!

Find this on Goodreads


Kate's Pick:

Tybalt, King of Cats
Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6)
by Seanan McGuire

Yeah, I don't think Gunmetal Magic qualifies for Curran either. That's okay, though, because Tybalt is pretty epic himself. He's powerful and funny, and he enjoys yanking Toby's chain. But when push comes to shove, he's always there for her, no matter what. I think I'm supposed to say something about not kicking him out of bed here...but seriously, why would you even suggest that? ;)

Find this on Goodreads


Sonnie's Pick:

Tod Hudson
Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6)
by Rachel Vincent

I too must pick from Rachel Vincent's stack of fictional men. But, Tod Hudson has to be one of the hottest dead guys around. Seriously. I'm pretty much on stalker level with him. And while I love Nash (I do!), he just has nothing on his older reaper brother. And if he didn't win you over in the earlier novels... well, he certainly will once you read his novella "Reaper". What are you waiting for? Go read it!

Find this on Goodreads


Emmalee's Pick:

Four
Insurgent (Divergent #2)
by Veronica Roth

I loved Four since you first met him in Divergent. He is masculine, strong, determined and a born leader. I love how he is soft when he needs to be, but not overly gentle to make him lose the masculinity that I love so much about him.  He is definitely my type of guy, the one you can always depend on.

Find this on Goodreads





Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits, #1)Britt's Pick:
Noah
Pushing the Limits
by Katie McGarry

I have not read many books released this year apparently. However Noah is definitely easy to love. A tough guy with scars so deep. Learning about why he is how he is kills you. Watching him open up to Echo and learn to let someone in. He is the kind of guy you would want for yourself, sexy and caring. Once he decides you matter to him, he will be there for you in every way.

Find this on Goodreads


Lolita's Pick:

Clay
Hidden (Otherworld #10.5)
by Kelley Armstrong

For me choosing a book boyfriend is really difficult, because a bookboyfriens seems to suggest I would want that person as my boyfriend and I don't. So just ended up choosing a male character that I like and I actually think he is perfect for Elena. I like how Clay and Elena love each other, but if you see them walking the street it wouldn't be obvious. I also love how much they are willing to do and risk for each other. Elena and Clay are one of my favourite couples in a book, they are awesome together.

Find this on Goodreads



Jen's Pick:
 
Hunter
by Emmalee Aple

This was the hardest 'best of' for me. I don't really do the whole book boyfriend thing...sure I love characters but they remain just that, characters. I don't usually visualize them or put a face to the description. Anyway I decided to choose Hunter from Neophyte because he made me cry...I can't say more without being a spoil sport.

Find this on Goodreads



Emma's Pick:
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

Jace
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
By Cassandra Clare

When I was going through the books I have read this year, I realized the men I read about this year weren't that amazing. 2011.. amazing boy year. 2012? Not so much. But whatever, I read some amazing books but no special boys. I did reread City of Bones this year and Jace is the only guy who really stuck by me this year. He is a little asshole but a cute one, honest and he does everything for the people he loves. And he is just hot.




Krista's Pick:



Aiden St. Delphi
Deity (Covenant #3), Elixir (Covenant #3.5)
By: Jennifer Armentrout


There were so many good choices for this particular 'Best of...' But, in the end, Aiden beat them all. He's everything you'd expect from a good book boyfriend - he's strong, noble, romantic, and literally kicks ass. The only thing he's afraid of is losing those he loves, and he's willing to do anything in his power to prevent that. The novella, Elixir, told from Aiden's POV, was one of the most emotional books I read this year, and it was only 50-odd pages. Ladies, this is a boy that you really will wish was real.

Find this on Goodreads

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Best Villains of 2012


Top 10 of 2012 is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of “all things books” of 2012 and what books we’re looking forward to in 2013, co-hosted by: Rachel from FiktshunLisa from A Life Bound By BooksJessica from Confessions of a BookaholicJaime from Two Chicks on BooksMindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Because GReeps Through the Shelves is a group blog with 10 different bloggers, we've decided to challenge ourselves to pick only one book each! Today we'll each share our favorite book villain.



Spark (Sky Chasers, #2)-
Renée's pick:

Seth
Spark (Sky Chasers #2)
by Amy Kathleen Ryan


This is a tough pick. Most of my favorite villians are the ones who seem to be on the good side at first! And since I don't want to spoil anything for anyone I can't post about them!

So, after careful consideration I pick Seth. He's imho not really a villian, but half of the book is viewed through Kieran's eyes, and from his POV Seth is the villian.

Seth just tries to do the good thing, but everything he tries it doesn't work out the way he planned it. So it makes him seem the bad guy. This is the reason I choose him. He means well, and in the end, that's all that counts.

Find this on Goodreads


Sonnie's pick:

Seduced in the Dark (The Dark Duet #2)
by C.J. Roberts
*Warning: This book contains extreme adult content* While Caleb may or may not be a villain (depending on your perspective), he definitely has villainous qualities to him that I think make him an excellent nomination for this category. Because anyone can start off being a hero. Hero's are easy. But it's practically impossible to start out as a villain and become the hero. The question is, can he do it?

Find this on Goodreads



Lolita's Pick:

Callum 
Eden-west (Eden #2)
by Janelle Stalder

I like Callum, because even though I guess he should be counted as a villian if you read about him it doens't feel like he is a villian. Even though he is supposed to be the evil guy, I really like reading about him. he has his own motivations and reason to act how he does and if you read his perspective you stop seeing him as the evil guy. I think it is briliantly how well Janella has written this, it doesn't happen often I end up liking the villian.

Find this on Goodreads



Jen's Pick:

The Summoner
by Rhiannon Frater

This guy is freaky at the very least. He not only is a vampire (and not a nice one) but he is also a necromancer. This is a very bad combination for Amaliya because she is just another pawn in one of his sick and twisted games.

Find this on Goodreads



Kate's Pick:

Geder Palliako
The King's Blood (The Dagger and the Coin #2)
by Daniel Abraham

Geder is particularly scary because he's so believable. Most of the time he's a shy, awkward man thrust into a position he's nowhere near prepared for, but sometimes that lack of preparation and his own pettiness lead him to make bad choices. His intentions are generally good, or at least not evil in the sense of, say, Voldemort or Sauron, but his actions have terrible, devastating consequences.

Find this on Goodreads



Ashley's Pick:

Joffrey Baratheon
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)
by George R. R. Martin

So you think all children are cute and cuddly? Think a 12 year old can't possibly cause that much harm? Well, I got news for you, evil is as evil does and Joffrey  is one of those characters that you just love to hate. Prideful and spoiled rotten by his mother Cersei Lanister (a close runner up for this award), like Kate's pick, Joffrey is at once believable and loathsome for his callous disregard for the lives of those around him.  He is malicious, arrogant, hateful, and deliciously crafted by an author who knows how to write realistic villains. Moms, raise your children better, please ;)

Find this on Goodreads 


Krista's Pick:

Warner
Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
By: Tahereh Mafi


Warner is, for me, the perfect bad guy. He's cruel, ruthless, and will do anything to get what he wants. He will hurt children, kill innocent people, and kidnap pretty girls for his own fun and amusement. But, what makes Warner such an amazing character is that you get the impression that there's more to him than meets the eye. That, just maybe, he isn't as bad as you think he is. I can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Find this book on Goodreads.



Harry Potter en de Steen der Wijzen (Harry Potter, #1)Emma's Pick:

Voldemort
By J.K. Rowling

Admit it. He's simply the best. I read the first book when I was 10 and he scared me to death. (And yes, I hoped for a letter when I turned 11...) Voldemort is the perfect scary guy for me, he just seems unkillable and he always finds a way to come back!
I like his history, not gonna tell too much because for some weird reason not everyone on the planet has finished reading this series. Weirdos. Anyways, for me he is the best. I grew up with him and he is so powerful and he has done so many horrible things to people. He brings out horrible things in others, he has many powerful followers and he is so scary that people don't even dare to say his name.



Emmalee's Pick:

President Coriolanus Snow
The Hunger Games Series
By: Suzanne Collins

I just love to hate him! He is cruel and methodical.  He is just dripping bad guy every time he speaks. Yet he fools thousands into thinking he is a great man.  Plus! He looks like Santa Claus, who can't love Santa Claus?  He is definitely my pick for best villian!



Britt's Pick

Mab
Cold Days (Dresden Files #14)
By: Jim Butcher
Cold Days (The Dresden Files, #14)
For some reason she didn't come to my mind right away but she is one of my favourite villains. Manipulative and vindictive. She finds ways to mold people to do what she wants them to.Never mess with a fairy.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Best Covers of 2012


Merry Christmas everyone!!Top 10 of 2012 is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of “all things books” of 2012 and what books we’re looking forward to in 2013, co-hosted by: Rachel from FiktshunLisa from A Life Bound By BooksJessica from Confessions of a BookaholicJaime from Two Chicks on BooksMindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Because GReeps Through the Shelves is a group blog with 10 different bloggers, we've decided to challenge ourselves to pick only one book each! Today we'll each share the cover we liked the most from 2012.


Jen's pick:

Blackbirds (Miriam Black #1) 
by Chuck Wendig

This may not be the 'best' cover of 2012 but for me it wins for originality. There are so many 'fads' right now when it comes to covers. Don't get me wrong, those fads have produced some gorgeous covers but for this I shied away from those.

Find this on Goodreads



Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)
Renée's pick:

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
by Robin LaFevers


To quote myself in my earlier post about covers: "I LOVED this cover. Cool kick-ass chick, smoking red dress, great background, and of course the most amazing weapon ever (I don't know if you know this, but I have a thing for crossbows) the crossbow!" So yeah, this was an easy pick for me.

Find this on Goodreads


Emmalee's pick:
Pure (Covenant #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I love all the covers in the Covenant series, but this one has to be my favorite. The color and the delicacy of the flower but the strength it also gives off. I really love this one.

Find this on Goodreads




Firelight (Darkest London, #1)Britt's pick:

Firelight (Darkest London #1)
by Kristen Callihan


While I haven't yet read this book, the cover is what drew me in and made me want it. It's currently sitting prettily on my shelf and will be read soon. This cover has the right amount of mystery about it. I love it and it captures my attention.

Find this on Goodreads


Lolita's pick:

Fire (Akasha #3)
by Terra Harmony

I really like the simple design of this cover, but what makes me love this cover is the fire. I love how magical it looks and also how controlled in the palm of that hand. I also think that fire is beautifull to look at and the fire on this cover looks so real and beautifull. I really could stare at this cover for a while.

Find this on Goodreads




Sonnie's pick:


by Kendare Blake

I love the Anna series covers! Both are beautifully done with such vibrant colors. The picture on this cover looks exactly what it should. It completely fits the scene in the novel it is depicting. Creepy cover, for a very creepy awesome novel!

Find this on Goodreads



Kate's pick:


The City's Son
by Tom Pollock

I never really understood the whole cover craze, but I will admit that there are some that are prettier than others. I really like this one because of the lovely letters and the clean, simple look.

Find this on Goodreads


Emma's pick:
The Killables (The Killables, #1)
The Killables (The Killables #1)
by Gemma Malley

I read this one at the beginning of the year, but the cover stayed with me. It's so simple, yet so effective. When you're in a bookstore and you see all the pretty covers, this is the one you pick up cause it makes you curious!
The thing is, this cover is perfect in every way. It fits the story perfectly and you will always remember it. And the story is amazing, pick it up people!


Find this on Goodreads


Ashley's pick:

Vanish (Firelight #2)
by Sophie Jordan

If you judge a book by its cover, this one may bite you. How apropos for a book about draki (dragon shapeshifters). The Firelight series has been a pretty major disappointment for me. Just ask Kate, I imagine she has a few choice words of her own, but the covers really are fantastic, in my opinion. Too bad they are the best part of the books :/

Find this on Goodreads



Krista's Pick:

Rapture (Fallen #4)
by Lauren Kate


Like Ashley, my pick for best cover, was not, unfortunately, the best or most enjoyable book for me. I had a lot of problems with the entire Fallen series, but one thing that I did not ever have a problem with was the cover art. The fact that we never get to see Luce's full face in any of them always intrigued me, as did the dark and stormy backgrounds. Interesting and really, very beautiful.

Find this on Goodreads.

So what do you think of our picks? And what's your favourite cover of 2012? Leave us your bloglink or tell us in a message below!

The Greeps

Monday, December 24, 2012

Best Books We've Read in 2012


Top 10 of 2012 is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of “all things books” of 2012 and what books we’re looking forward to in 2013, co-hosted by: Rachel from FiktshunLisa from A Life Bound By BooksJessica from Confessions of a BookaholicJaime from Two Chicks on BooksMindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Because GReeps Through the Shelves is a group blog with 10 different bloggers, we've decided to challenge ourselves to pick only one book each! Today we'll each share our favorite book we read this year.



Lolita's Pick:

Fever series
by Karen Marie Moning 

I just love this series. I have read the last 3 books at the beginning of this year and later this year I re-read the entire series (something I almost never do). I also actually bought the e-book version of the whole series, while I already owned the paperbacks.
I love the world the author has created and the characters and the story. And it surprised me that I even enjoyed the series more when re-reading it.

Find this book on Goodreads




Emmalee's Pick:

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer

 I was hugely surprised that I loved this book as much as I did. It was a great take on a classic fairytale. What little girl doesn't love Cinderella?  And this version is so modern and unique that I couldn't help fall in love with it.  

Find this on Goodreads



Jen's Pick:

by Rhiannon Frater

I can be so indicisive when it comes to choosing things like this so it was really tough for me to pick just one. After a LOT of debate I decided to go with The First Days as the best book I've read in 2012. It really is a great book and it will grab you right from the beginning.

Find this on Goodreads
 

Ashley's Pick:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)
by George R. R. Martin

This was an incredible book.  The word "epic" comes to mind when I think of it. I read the entire series this year and while the first three are fabulous the last two have been pretty lackluster.  Even so, A Game of Thrones is one of only two books I gave five stars in 2012 (Kevin Hearne's Tricked being the other)


Find this on Goodreads



Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)Renée's Pick:

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
by Robin LaFevers

After reading this I spammed about this book EVERYWHERE! Believe me when I say that I forced my fellow Greeps to read this.

Find this on Goodreads







Kate's Pick:

Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles #2)
by Melina Marchetta

I have to pick one?? *brain explodes* Fine. I don't guarantee that Froi was my favorite book, but I really loved it, and it had everything I want in a book: mystery, suspense, magic, byzantine plots, great characters, and a little bit of romance. So there you are.

Find this on Goodreads




Sonnie's Pick:

Deity (Covenant #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Unless you've been hiding under a rock this past year, then you've probably experienced the JLA Fandom Craze. And she desereves it! While I'm a huge Lux fan, I have to say, JLA's Covenant series, was just beyond awesome. And with this latest novel, OH EM GEE! It was epic! And while I read a lot of amazing books this year, Mrs. Armentrout's won out.

Find this on Goodreads


Cast in Ruin (Chronicles of Elantra, #7)Britt's Pick:

Cast in Ruin (Chronicles of Elantra #7)
by Michelle Sagara

This is a hard pick but I'll choose Cast in Ruin. A fantastic series that always has me dying to read more. Filled with characters of very different races and a heroine you can really empathize with this is one of my favourite series. If you enjoy a book with a well-developed world, intrigue, magic and character growth then try these, I'm sure you wont be disappointed.

Find this on Goodreads



Seer of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters #5)Emma's Pick:

by Juliet Marillier

Like many my co-bloggers, picking my favourite book I read this year is almost impossible. I have read a lot of little jewels and held many beautiful covers. But, as always, Juliet Marillier touches me in a way other writers haven't been able to so far. I feel so involved when reading her books. It's just amazing. Try her, she has the ability to make you feel everything.

Find this on Goodreads


Krista's Pick:

The Crimson Crown
by Cinda Williams Chima 

The Crimson Crown brought the end to The Seven Realms series, and what an ending it was. This is my favorite high fantasy series, and I had been not-so-patiently waiting for a year to see what would happen to characters that I've grown to love - Han, Raisa, Dancer, Micah. The ending was nothing short of wonderful. It made me laugh, cry and cheer - it was the best and most satisfying end to any series I've ever read.

Find this book on Goodreads