Reading Reflections: May 2010

Books Read:
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (review)
Fire by Kristin Cashore (review)
Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine (review)
The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia (review)
White Cat by Holly Black (review)

Total Number of Books Read: 5

Most Anticipated:
Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Biggest Let Down:
Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine

Favorite Read:
Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Highest Rank:
5 butterflies

Lowest Rank:
3 butterflies

Overall Reflection:
I wouldn't say that I'm in a reading slump. Rather, life has been busy lately, and reading has taken a backseat. I was hoping to reach 6 books, but alas, that was not the case. I still surpassed my goal of 4 books per month, so yay for that. :) On to my bookish ramblings...
Both Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore were exceptional reads. She has an amazing strong and beautiful voice. Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine was a fun read, though somewhat of a letdown. It definitely is her weakest book in the series. I still plan on continuing through the series, which overall is fantastic. I love Caine and though this book was less than stellar, I still love her and plan to continue reading whatever she writes. :) The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia was certainly the most interesting and thought-provoking book I read this month. I stiiiiiill reflect back on it from time to time. It's almost haunting in that way. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend that you do! White Cat by Holly Black was a delicious surprise. I rather enjoyed it. Black has really honed her writing skills on this one. I look forward to the next book in the series!

So that's about it for the month. I aim to get back on track next month, but we'll see. Summer can be a busy time. This month, I'll be reading Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris, Sunshine by Robin McKinley, and Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. So keep an eye out for those reviews.

Also, in other bookish news...I was blessed with the prolific blogger award.
Annnnd....I am now an affiliate. It's something that I honestly never had any interest in, but when Liz from Cleverly Inked brought it up, my interested was peaked. I love Liz's blog and check it frequently. I am honored to be affiliated with her.

White Cat (The Curse Workers #1) by HollyBlack

Book Summery:
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the con-men. -goodreads.com
Book Trailer:

Book Review:
I had my first taste of Holly Black when I read her series of Modern Faerie Tales: Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside. They were fun, enjoyable books. However, I must say that Ms. Black has really evolved with her release of White Cat. I was completely hooked from the first page, and read the first 250 pages in one sitting.

Cassel is a multidimensional character. Even though he is not considered a "worker," he still is a conman at heart. He is the local bookie at school, an expert pickpocket, and he has been known to pick a few locks or two. Despite his shady tendencies, you want to love Cassel, to root him on. He seems to be the product of his surroundings. His mother is in jail, father dead, and both brothers work for a major mobster. Despite being handed a lousy hand in life, Cassel makes the best of what he can and does his best to treat people kind and as fair as he can. ;) This is what makes you want to give him the benefit of the doubt. There is definitely some good there, and a lot of untapped potential.

I feel like I can't really talk much more about this book without giving too much away. Believe me, this book is well worth your time. The plot is beautifully woven and full of action and suspense. The characters are flawed and believable. I absolutely adored the interactions between them. I honestly can't wait until the next book in the series is released. After some thought, I gave this book a 5 rating. I really did love it! Make sure to check out Holly Black's website!

Favorite Quote:
"'I have no idea what you think you know,' Philip says. 'But you have to understand that all I've been trying to do-all I've ever tried to do is protect you. I want you to be safe.'

What a line. I shake my head, but don't contradict him. 'Okay, then. What are you protecting me from?'

'Yourself,' he says and now he looks me in the eye." (p. 174) 

Cover Art Commentary:
I really like the cover of this one. The colors juxtapose nicely! :) I will admit that it does slightly bother me that we can't see the main character's eyes, but I think that's just me being picky. :P

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever. -goodreads.com


Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

n the early days of the Civil War, rumors of gold in the frozen Klondike brought hordes of newcomers to the Pacific Northwest. Anxious to compete, Russian prospectors commissioned inventor Leviticus Blue to create a great machine that could mine through Alaska’s ice. Thus was Dr. Blue’s Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine born. But on its first test run the Boneshaker went terribly awry, destroying several blocks of downtown Seattle and unearthing a subterranean vein of blight gas that turned anyone who breathed it into the living dead.

Now it is sixteen years later, and a wall has been built to enclose the devastated and toxic city. Just beyond it lives Blue’s widow, Briar Wilkes. Life is hard with a ruined reputation and a teenaged boy to support, but she and Ezekiel are managing. Until Ezekiel undertakes a secret crusade to rewrite history. His quest will take him under the wall and into a city teeming with ravenous undead, air pirates, criminal overlords, and heavily armed refugees. And only Briar can bring him out alive. -goodreads.com


Birthmarked by Caragh O' Brien

After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.

Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned. -goodreads.com

Paper Towns by John Green

When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q. -goodreads.com



Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse has finally settled into a relationship with the Viking vampire Eric, and her errant brother Jason seems to have his life in order, too. But all the other people in Sookie’s life – Eric himself, her former lover Bill, her friend and boss Sam – are having family problems. Eric’s maker shows up with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow, the ailing Bill can only be healed by a blood sibling, and Sam’s brother’s marriage is about to take place... or will it? The furor raised by the coming out of the two-natured has yet to settle; some people are just not ready to sit down to dinner with a man who turns into a dog. And Sookie herself is still recovering from her last ordeal. She’s definitely improving, physically and mentally, but she’s always going to have some dark moments now. The werewolves tell her that there have been strange and ominous passers-by in the Stackhouse woods; now Sookie is about to come face-to-face with one of her more distant relatives... -goodreads.com

Source:
All of these were purchased at my local indie bookstore. :)

Most Anticipated:
Where to begin? Well...I am giving Mr. Westerfeld another chance. I seem to be in the minority...but I was highly disappointed with his Uglies series. However, I have read several rave reviews on Leviathan, so I finally gave in and purchased a copy for myself. The book itself is gorgeous! The cover is beautiful and shiny and the map inside the cover is intricate and beautifully illustrated. So yah, high hopes for this one. Alllso, I am really looking forward to Dead in the Family. I am a big fan of the Sookie series, so I am happy to finally have a copy of the latest book in the series. I have read less than stellar reviews on it, however...so we'll see what's in store for me. :)

The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia

Book Summery:Mattie, an intelligent automaton skilled in the use of alchemy, finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict between gargoyles, the Mechanics, and the Alchemists. With the old order quickly giving way to the new, Mattie discovers powerful and dangerous secrets - secrets that can completely alter the balance of power in the city of Ayona. This doesn't sit well with Loharri, the Mechanic who created Mattie and still has the key to her heart - literally. -goodreads.com

Book Review:
Well, this certainly was a change of pace for me. Originally, I picked this one up for Calico Reaction's book club (though I am late reading it, as it was April's pick). It took me a while to get through this one. I would read a bit and then set down the book and think about what I just read. There are many, many components to this book. The main focus, I believe, is the relationship between Mattie and her creator, Loharri. Mattie wants nothing but to live happily and free of Loharri's hold on her. I am not quite sure why Loharri is so enraptured by Mattie. He is also possessive and jealous of her as well. He does well to remind her of these feelings by keeping her key, the very thing that keeps her alive, out of her reach, for he holds the only copy.

Another major component is the political struggle between the mechanics, the alchemists, and the gargoyles. This is most interesting becuase Loharri is a mechanic, where as Mattie, his creation, is an alchemist. I truly enjoyed watching the struggle of power from one major party to another. Reading the occasional excerpt from the gargoyles was most refreshing. Their third party voice helped to breakup the story, as well as give some external focus to the storyline. Also, it helped to bring the story full circle, as the book begins and ends with Mattie helping the gargoyles to break free of their stone connection.

What was most interesting for me was that Mattie was the most relate-able character in this story, yet she is a machine. Mattie is honest, kind, compassionate, and smart. Though she was the narrator, her presence is often overlooked in the story. A concept that I found fascinating. I really enjoyed the interactions of Mattie with the various characters in this novel. It helped to define her, as well get a sense of the world that Sedia had created.

Though I gave this book a 3/5 rating, it would more likely be 3.5/5. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. However, I often was left wondering where the plot was going, even as I got to end the book. I am still not sure what the point of separating the gargoyles from stone is. Also I was highly disappointed by some of the characters. I felt that Mattie was more often used as means to an end. Though I did enjoy this book, it's doubtful that I would re-read it.

Favorite Quote:

"She hated admitting to herself, but she stayed close to him because of the influence she had-she had the power to make him less concerned and more at ease, to make him smile even though it pained his broken face. She wondered at herself, at weather she would ever be able to forgive him for being her creator, for having such absolute control over her internal workings. For his love." (p. 37)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really like this cover, as well as the hardcover version. Pictured to the right. Both beautiful in their own way.

Other reviews can be found at:
Calico Reaction -review
The Little Reader -reviewTemporary Worlds -review
Jawas read, too! -review

Overall Rating:

Reading Habits!

*Yanked from Pure Imagination and Book Crazy! Please join in on the fun! :)

Do you snack while you read? If so, favourite reading snack:

I like to keep my books in pristine condition if possible, but sometimes my stomach gets the best of me! :P When that happens, I usually eat cheese and crackers or something light that wont stain the book pages!



What is your favourite drink while reading?

It depends. I have been known to drink water, juice or the occasional coca-cola. :)



Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?

I honestly depends on the book. Most books I read nowadays are just for fun and enjoyment. I have written in the margins of certain books, such as Howl and The Fountianhead.



How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?

Bookmarks!!! I have always used bookmarks! I have tons of them laying around the house. If I don't have one for some reason (which is rare), I'll remember the page number I am on.



Fiction, non-fiction, or both?

Fiction!! I read to escape. <<<>



Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?

No. Even if I don't like a book, I keep it in good condition to give to someone else who might enjoy it.



If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?

No, I'm pretty good at context clues. <<< I agree with Lori, again!



What are you currently reading?

Right now, I am reading The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia.



What is the last book you bought?

Last week, I spent a small portion of my tax money on an awesome stack o' books that I have had my eyes on for while! I posted said list here. :)



Are you the type of person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?

Definitely one book at a time. Occasionally, I'll add an audiobook to the mix while I'm driving, but I really prefer to read one at a time. Also, I almost always prefer books to ebooks or audiobooks. I just love holding them, turning the pages....Ok, I'm weird! :P



Do you have a favourite time/place to read?

Whenever I have the time! Since I am a night shifter, I tend to read late at night...getting my best reading done at 2-5 A.M. I usually read in my big, comfy bed, propped up on pillows! :)



Do you prefer series books or stand alones?

Both! If it's a good book, I am all for reading it! :)



Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?

It honestly depends on who I am recommending the book too. I try to customize it by their taste. I do usually recommend Rand's work, as well as Gaiman and Caine. :)



How do you organize your books? (by genre, title, author's last name, etc.)

I guess I don't really have a system. I have a bunch of bookshelves, all ranging in size. As my collection grows, I rearrange as best I can. ;)

Top Ten Picks: Favorite Young Adult Novels

Top 10 Picks is hosted each week by Jillian @ Random Ramblings. This week’s topic is books you the top ten worst books you have ever read. *I'm actually a few weeks late in posting this!* Make sure to you stop by to see her list!
This was a particularly difficult topic for me, as YA is one of my top favorite genres! :P



1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Carcia and Margaret Stohl

An original, raw story. This was one book that once I started, I just could not set down! It was rather interesting to read it from a guy's perspective. I highly recommend it! (My review)


2. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

A lovely fairy tale. I just fell into this one and was totally captivated until I reached the last page! I can not wait to read the next book in the series! (My review)


3. Incarceron by Catherin Fisher

I simply could not get enough of this book. The world Fisher created is beyond captivating! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series! :D (My review)


4. All Unquiet Thigns by Anna Jarzab

This book was recommended to me before I had even heard of it. Such a fantastic book! This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Great for mystery lovers! (My review)


5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Ok, if you haven't read this one yet, you REALLY need to! Easily in my top 10 of all time! (My review)


6. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Ok, now that you have read The Hunger Games, you need to read Catching Fire. These are books that will haunt you for the rest of your life! (My review)


7. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Now you all -knew- that I had to get some Gaiman in, right? This fabulous dark fairy tale is well worth every penny! (My review)


8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

This is one of the first science fiction books that I ever read, like back in 6th grade. It really stayed with me. I finally re-read it last year along with the second book in the series. I still plan on finishing the last 2 books. (My review)


9. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

So, I just finished this not to long ago. However, I knew once I picked it up, it was going to be in my top ten! Just fabulous! I loooove the world Cashore created! I highly recommend this for all readers! (My review)


10. Fire by Kristin Cashore

Another beautifully written story by Cashore! I just love her books! I can not wait until Bitterblue is released! (My review)


11. The Morganville Vampire Series

Number eleven? What?! This is supposed to only be top ten!
Well...as I said earlier this is one of my favorite genres...so I picked 10 books, and one series. It counts, right?! :P Rachel Caine is one of my all time favorite authors. Her Morganville Vampire Series is beyond outstanding. I know I didn't give the last book a stellar rating, but on a whole, I just adore these books. If you haven't already picked them up, you really should give them a try! (My reviews)

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine

Book Summery:
Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Micheal's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell... -goodreads.com
Book Review:
Now, any of you that have followed my blog for the past year or so know how much I LOVE Rachel Caine. She is easily one of my top favorite authors. However, with that in mind, I would have to say that Kiss of Death seemed to be a last ditch effort...like, she needed to write something for her publisher and/or fans, and just slapped something together. It might have been better had she taken more time between books. She has several coming out this year. It didn't seem to fit the storyline that Caine has set up in the rest of the series. Further more, it didn't flow as smoothly as her other books. The relationships between the characters just seemed off, save for Clare and Shane's relationship. Perhaps I'll understand the method to her madness in the upcoming books. Another thing that bothered me was that Caine was trying too hard to identify with "YA readers." She used a lot of slang and emotions, that just seemed overkill and detracted from the overall story. I don't know if she is getting pressure to do this from her editor or what, but I haven't seen this since the beginning of the series. It also could be that I had high expectations going into this one...perhaps a little too high? Either way, I will still continue to read the series, and look forward to the release of Ghost Town in October. Morganville fans will (hopefully) enjoy this book, despite it's downfalls.

Favorite Quote:
"You are kidding."

"Hey, you were the one who had to have ice cream. Look what kind of trouble we got ourselves into. At least this way we're safe in a room with a door that locks. And the sign says they have HBO."

"Which stands for Horrible Bloody Ohmygood," Eve said. "Which is the way they kill you. When you think you're safe." (p. 90)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really love this one. The contrast of black, gray, and pink is just lovely. It took me a while to figure out who is on the cover, but it really is fitting. Curious? Read the book! :P

Overall Rating:

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book Summery:
Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells. Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans. Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Cashore has captured my heart with both of her books, Fire and Graceling. Fire takes place roughly about 30 years before Graceling, in a country called the Dells. I love this new world Cashore has created. The Dells boasts home to beautiful and frightening creatures known simply as monsters. They are more stunning in beauty and more vicious in their intentions. Enter our protagonist, Fire, a rare, human-monster who caries the emotions of the world in her heart. Fire is truly one-of-kind in appearance and in spirit. What I think enhances Fire's character most are her interactions with other characters, and what a beautiful and vivid cast of characters they are.

Archer has good intentions, but his emotions get the best of him at times. Brocker, the kindhearted father Fire never had, who hidess a deep secret. King Nash, a sweet, but overly emotional man. Roen, the once Queen who holds wisdom and secrets of her own. Brigan, Nash's younger brother who is intense and quiet, but wonderfully fair and kind. Cansrel, Fire's overbearing, cold-hearted father, who holds a soft spot for Fire alone. Little Hannah who is precious, but not easily deceptive. These are just a few of the vibrant characters that inhabit the Dells.

Cashore has deepened her writing in this companion novel. Fire is rich with politics, relationships, friendships, secrets, and discoveries. There is also an appearance by a sole character from Graceling, who is unmistakable in his description alone. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It truly is a novel that everyone should read at least once in their life. I plan to re-read it again in the future.

Favorite Quote:

"It did not surprise Fire that the man in the forest shot her. What surprised her was that he shot her by accident." (p. 19)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really do love the cover's of Cashore's books. I love the boldness and simplicity of the colors and the items used to represent the story. Fire looks gorgeous next to Graceling.

Overall Rating:

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful blogging mothers out there! I hope you have a special and wonderful day today! :D

(Awesome) Book Bundle

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell... -goodreads.com

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Rae Seddon, nicknamed Sunshine, lives a quiet life working at her stepfather's bakery. One night, she goes out to the lake for some peace and quiet. Big mistake. She is set upon by vampires, who take her to an old mansion. They chain her to the wall and leave her with another vampire, who is also chained. But the vampire, Constantine, doesn't try to eat her. Instead, he implores her to tell him stories to keep them both sane. Realizing she will have to save herself, Sunshine calls on the long-forgotten powers her grandmother began to cultivate in her when she was a child. She transforms her pocketknife into a key and unchains herself--and Constantine. Surprised, he agrees to flee with her when she offers to protect him from the sun with magic. They escape back to town, but Constantine knows his enemies won't be far behind, which means that he and Sunshine will have to face them together. A luminous, entrancing novel with an enthralling pair of characters at its heart. -goodreads.com

The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia

Mattie, an intelligent automaton skilled in the use of alchemy, finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict between gargoyles, the Mechanics, and the Alchemists. With the old order quickly giving way to the new, Mattie discovers powerful and dangerous secrets - secrets that can completely alter the balance of power in the city of Ayona. However, this doesn't sit well with Loharri, the Mechanic who created Mattie and still has the key to her heart - literally! -goodreads.com

White Cat (The Curse Workers #1) by HollyBlack

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the con-men. -goodreads.com

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter­actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war? -goodreads.com

Morpheus Road: The Light by D. J. MacHale

Marshall Seaver is being haunted. In the first installment of this chillingly compelling trilogy, sixteen-year-old Marshall discovers that something beyond our world is after him. The eerie clues pile up quickly, and when people start dying, it's clear whatever this is - it's huge.

Marshall has no idea what's happening to him, but he's soon convinced that it has something to do with his best friend Cooper, who's been missing for over a week. Together with Coop's sister, Marsh searches for the truth about what happened to his friend, ultimately uncovering something bigger than he could ever have imagined. -goodreads.com

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Set initially in a future shanty town in America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being dissembled for parts by a rag tag group of workers, we meet Nailer, a teenage boy working the light crew, searching for copper wiring to make quota and live another day. The harsh realities of this life, from his abusive father, to his hand to mouth existence, echo the worst poverty in the present day third world. When an accident leads Nailer to discover an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, and the lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl, Nailer finds himself at a crossroads. Should he strip the ship and live a life of relative wealth, or rescue the girl, Nita, at great risk to himself and hope she'll lead him to a better life. This is a novel that illuminates a world where oil has been replaced by necessity, and where the gap between the haves and have-nots is now an abyss. Yet amidst the shadows of degradation, hope lies ahead. -goodreads.com

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears a frightening whisper from Jessica's own mind, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own. -goodreads.com

Source:
The Alchemy of Stone was bought at B&N at a discounted price. The rest were purchased at my local indie bookstore! :)

Most Anticipated:

Well...of course I am looking forward to Caine's Kiss of Death! That's a given! :P I bought the majority of these based on book reviews I've read! :D I did purchase Sunshine and Whisper solely based on the author reviews on their covers. Neil Gaiman recommended Sunshine and Kim Harrison recommended Whisper. So we shall see how those rec's pan out! Overall, I am really happy with this particular bundle! (I did use a portion of my tax refund money to purchase them.) Besides Kiss of Death, I am looking forward to The Alchemy of Stone, White Cat, Voices of Dragons, and Ship Breaker. So....pretty much the entire bundle! :P