Review: Requiem By Lauren Oliver

This is the third book in the series, so spoilers are possible...

Battling against a society in which love has been declared a disease, Lena now finds herself at the centre of a fierce revolution. But the Wilds are no longer the haven they once were as the government seeks to stamp out the rebels. And Lena's emotions are in turmoil following the dramatic return of someone she thought was lost forever...  taken from Goodreads

I was quite nervous on reading this book.  I adored Delirium, but wasn't as blown away by Pandemonium so I really wanted to love Requiem but was prepared to not like it as much as I wanted.  I actually ended up feeling a bit of both - weird I know!...

I loved that this story was being told from two very different perspectives - uncured Lena and cured Hana.  The lives of both are completely different as are their views, so alternating chapters of these parallels were so absorbing and fascinating.  I had trouble deciding which life would be the more favourable.  It was easy to tell which life would be easier but which life would really be better that took some major thought.  Given time it was actually an easy choice.  Although I hope we are never put in that kind of situation.

The end - oh I feel somewhat confused.  We did get an end, an end that was very enjoyable.  But it was over extremely quickly, the conclusion didn't take long to happen.  And when it did end, it wasn't exactly thorough.  You don't find out what happens in the long run, which bothers me.  I'm hoping that Lauren has some idea of extending on the story but maybe with different characters.  I'm also torn as to whether the events that took place would really have had that great an effect in the future.  Like I said I'm confused.

Although my reservations I did really enjoy this instalment of Lena's story and found it hard to put down.  I just can't help but want more!!  I am super eager to see what Lauren thinks up next. 

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Hodder And Stoughton

This Can Be Purchased HERE and From All Good Book Sellers.

Review - Insurgent By Veronica Roth

"War looms in sixteen-year-old Tris’s dark dystopian world as disputes between the factions grow. Tris must now fight against all odds to discover the truth that can save her and the people she loves. Sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge – and the choices she makes will have devastating and unexpected consequences." taken from Goodreads

Just over a year ago now my very good friend Jenny over at Wondrous Reads sent me a new book that she thought was incredible and she thought I might just like it.  That book happened to be DIVERGENT.  I read it as soon as I could and fell absolutely in love with it.  It was easily my favourite book of 2011 and I've been dying to read the follow up.
That was why I was thrilled when Harper Collins chose me to be a part of the reviewing group for the book.  All of the reviewers were assigned to factions, as the characters in the book are.  I was put in the group of AMITY the peaceful.  I consider myself a fairly laid back, chilled person so found Amity quite the great fit.

I'll kick off with my cover review - I have to say I am not overly fond of the new UK covers.  For me they just don't have the appeal that the original style US covers do.
I do like the colouring - Its quite a passionate tone. 

The story kicks off straight from where it left off.  It was a treat to jump back in and be reunited with Tris & Four.  I had missed the characters so much in our over a year separation, so it was great to know I hadn't missed any of their story.

I must say it took some perseverance for me to really get into the story.  I put this mostly on the fact that I put so much pressure on myself to adore that book, that it ended up being a bit of work getting in to it.  That said though I managed to read 165 pages in the first day, so I think that shows that I very quickly got into the story and wanted to keep reading.

I had a somewhat love / annoyance relationship with Tris in this instalment of the trilogy.  I loved the fact that she is imperfect and has somewhat dark thoughts at times, it makes her more real to me as a reader.  I always find these really strong noble female characters a bit difficult to connect with, not that Tris doesn't have moments of that too. 
On the other hand Tris can be incredibly infuriating, she makes some very rash decisions that you want to scream 'why are you doing that?' but this of course makes for some very exciting tales.  Veronica's writing of Tris makes the story reading for me more immersive and I love that I can feel different emotions for the same character.

Insurgent is littered with so many 'dun dun dun' moments.  I was on the edge of my seat for most of the read thinking "oh what next?, how can that happen?, why did they say that?"
There were times I was left in absolute shock - how many books actually manage to do that now days??  Very few that I have found!!

This manages to come to a thrilling conclusion that left me satisfied despite its cliffhanger ending but just as eager to get to the final part of the story.  That said I have no idea how I will live without Tris & Four??

This is an incredible read that I felt had some hints of Lost TV show (I was addicted to that show).  It also had me thinking of a movie but I won't mention the title of that as that could be somewhat spoilerish!!

Rating 5 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Harper Collins Childrens Books

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

Review - Fever By Lauren DeStefano

"Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion. But danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago―surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The Two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine's twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous―and in a world where young woman only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can't seem to elude Rhine's father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion… by any means necessary."  taken from goodreads

Without a doubt one of the books that captivated me the most last year was Wither, the first in the Chemical Garden trilogy.  Its started from just looking at the cover, which has to be my favourite cover in a long time.  Then the story was totally different to anything I had personally read before, it really stuck with me.  So when I knew ARCs were making the rounds for Fever the second part, I was beside myself.  I had countless twitter conversations trying to get myself a copy, that proved very fruitless until the lovely Lauren herself passed on my desperation to a fantastic American blogger, who kindly sent me her copy.  I was extatic and finished my current read as fast as I could, so I could get on to this read.  So that's how I got my copy (shortly after I got my hardback copy that I bought!!)  Now what I thought of it......

Another absolutely stunning cover.  Its not quite a gorgeous as the first, but that would be extremely hard to top.  Still I love all the little features that are highlighted by circles and actually go on to have significant meanings in the book.  It always gives me a buzz to spot the links!!

I was kind of expecting to be eased back into the story of Rhine and Gabriel - Uh uh!!!!  You are thrust straight into new dangers and horrors of this bleak new world.  I found myself feeling extremely creeped out and uneasy.  I have to say I wasn't feeling totally engaged by the new turns the book was taking and still 50 pages in, I was still not totally sold.

As the story evolves, the story shifts but gets no less sinister or freaky.  I was starting to question if the life Rhine left behind was really that bad, its funny what time between books can do to your memory as you do eventually remember Rhine had very good reason for running.

On finishing the book I felt a little disappointed that for me this book just wasn't as amazing as the first one, but this definitely had the second book syndrome in that you need to have this to get to the end, but it doesn't quite do what you want it too.
I'm so eager to read the final part to the series.  Generally on books I never want them to end, but I love the character of Rhine so much that I will kind of be pleased for her that her turmoil and strife will be over one way or another with the final instalment.  That by no means that I don't want to read more of Lauren's work - quite the opposite, I will still be her number one fan pleading her to write more!!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Harper Voyager

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

Review - The Knife Of Never Letting Go By Patrick Ness

"Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is." From Goodreads

I actually read this back in January, so am relying on my 'interesting' note keeping for the review.  That said this book really packs a punch and will stick with me for years to come.

The cover is quite understated in my opinion.  Obviously the knife is the very key thing and this is really highlighted.  But I didn't feel it told me a whole lot of what to expect.

My very first thoughts of this was 'WOW this is gonna be a unique read'  This is set in a world where people are very uneducated - no books even exist anymore, likewise of women.  The population is dwindling and the last of the youth is about to reach Manhood.
When you start reading the story is littered with very intentional spelling mistakes.  People have evolved and sadly so has speech and it is gotten BAD!!  I must admit the spellings did frustrate me somewhat.  I didn't think I was a huge stickler for good grammar, but it appears I am.
Having said that though all these little touches include you in their world, so after some thought this is such a clever write.

Easily my favourite character in the book is Manchee - Todd's very faithful canine companion.  Todd's relationship with Manchee is even more enhanced by the fact that they can hear each others thoughts.  As Someone that has 5 dogs, I can tell you I would give anything to be able to talk to them.  I adore my little princesses and can only imagine the closeness I would have to them if I could understand their thoughts.  The way Todd sometimes treats Manchee though really upset me.  I can't imagine being that harsh with anyone!

This is a truly heart pounding, edge of your seat read.  I was literally so worried about some of the characters or was deeply shocked by actions, that I couldn't put it down until I had read some sort of resolution to that part of the story.

This is only the THIRD book to ever make me cry.  It really does take a lot for words to effect me that deeply and Patrick definitely accomplished that.
I felt so many emotions on finishing it - I kind of hated Patrick for the roller coaster he put me in, I was shocked, disturbed, depressed, but also wanting to know how the story is going to go from here.  Part of me just wants to read the books already, but another part of me just doesn't know if I am ready to be in THAT place again.  This should come with a reading kit - caffeine, chocolate and tissues - YOU WILL NEED THEM ALL!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Walker

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker Book Launch Event

Susanne with one of the cupcakes

One of the first ARCs I received out of the blue was The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker from the lovely guys at Usborne.  I hadn't heard anything about it prior to then, but from reading the little bit on the back I knew I was going to love it.  I got round to reviewing it in January and you can find my review for it HERE.
Early January I got a lovely but unexpected email asking if I would like to attend the book launch and meet the awesome author herself.  Of course I said a big YES PLEASE!!!
Next we got the news of where the event was being held - It was only at a swanky hotel in LONDON!!!  That made me even more thrilled to be attending!!

The pretty cupcakes

Like with the other events I have attending, my awesome Mum travelled up to London with me - what would I do without her?  Once I got there I met up with fellow bloggers Casey & Hayley from Dark Readers.  It was so nice to have familiar faces to walk through the door with, especially in such a fancy location.
We had to go in and speak to the main desk who showed us round to the library room, what an apt location for a book event.
Once inside I was taken a back by the gorgeousness of the room.  There were copies of the books on the shelves.  There was a table of cup cakes that had the signature butterflies on the top, beautiful food was being laid out on the tables and drinks lined the tables at the back of the room.  We even had our own waiter serving us drinks!!!!

Each of us were given the most awesome name tags EVER!!  Seriously it is just about the coolest item I have been given in a looooong time!!!
We were each introduced to Susanne, who is just about the cutest lady ever!!  She is so super friendly and we discussed our twitter chat of the Twilight casts hair - its not very good is it??!

Quickly more bloggers arrived which meant time for eating - Food time is Fun time!!!  I remember every little thing I ate, which I won't bore you with but I can say it was all rather delicious!!!
All of us sat around coffee tables and just generally chatted about books - there was a lot of book geeking going on.

After the food the Usborne team and Susanne did a little speech, which was lovely.  It was so nice to see and hear the bond that is built between author and publisher during their work together.  Getting to see just a glimpse of that is so special.

Our Goodie Bag

My Name Tag Of Awesome

 All of us attending was given a fabulous Usborne goodie bag that contained finished copies of the book, that we got to get signed.  I was actually kind of tricksey and brought along my ARC copy of the book to also get signed.

Me And Susanne

The event was now nearing to a close, but we had time to have a big group picture - Its majorly cute I have to say!!!
One last little treat we were each given one of the lovely cupcakes - this received a major Oooooh from all of us.  But me being the plonker I am had an accident before I even left the room.  Whilst putting on my coat somehow my cupcake went crashing on the floor and splattered face down - Major Face palm moment for me there.  There were a few cupcakes left and they kindly gave me a replacement - I am so sorry for my clumsiness though!!!

Once again Thanks to Susanne for her major kindness and to the lovely guys at Usborne for inviting me to such a wonderful event!!

Group picture curtesy of Usborne

Please Come back to my blog on Monday to find out how to win my signed ARC!!

Review - Legend By Marie Lu

"The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....

Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible.

Day.

And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.

The truth they'll uncover will become legend."

I first heard of this last July when the book was starting its release promotion in the USA.  I researched it, as I do all books that interest me and knew this was my kind of thing.  When I was asked if I'd like to review I had to contain my extreme excitedness.  I hope I acted cool.......

The UK cover is somewhat reminiscent of the original Divergent cover for me.  That doesn't make it any less stunning though.  Its almost like the girl standing there has the world at her feet - like she is powerful.  I also like the setting sun, its kind of provocative to me in that things are going to go down!!

You start the story reading from the view of Day - a boy on the wrong side of the law.  He lives to cause havoc for the Republics wealthy and to look after his family.  You find his family has been marked as plague victims and so starts his mission to save them.  I was rather shocked to read of how the poor are treated in this world.  It left me with a  feeling of fear for them, but also for us.  Marie uses the facts of today, like growing population and lack of resources and builds a new warped version of the world.  I do find when I read dystopian tales like this I wonder - What if???

The next chapter shifts to another character JUNE - it also switches to a new font, that was so helpful - you can just look at the writing and know who's side of the story is being told!
June's life is greatly different to Day's, she is rich and privileged.  Through actions in the story though she becomes the sworn enemy of Day and so her story of revenge begins.
I found it utterly fascinating to read of the diversity of the characters life.  How much like in our world today being born to some people can bring great fortune and to others bring great suffering.  Its actually great thinking material for the life we live now.  Sometimes the grass is not greener on the other side, but just sometimes I think it is.

For me the story although interesting dragged a little in the first half, but the second half was so much more exciting.  It was in this half that revelations started pouring out and you could see where the story was going.  At this point I was utterly enthralled.

The book concludes on a somewhat shocking note, but is a great set up for the next part.  I'm just not sure where the story is going and that is so attractive to me - I want shocks and think I may just get some!!

This is a brilliant debut that not only had me questioning the world in the book, but the world be live in today.

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Puffin

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers

Review - Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi

"WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers"  taken from Amazon

I want to start with talking about the UK cover.  I am quite torn on the cover I must admit.  Part of me adores it and then part of me just doesn't quite get it.  I don't really get their floating in mid air, in front of a planet.  But I do love their embrace.  I like that parts of each of them look almost unreal.  As parts of Aria's life are lived in a non-reality this was a great element to add.  I love all the little touches too like Perry's tattoos.  I'm quite intrigued to see what they will do with the next cover.

I first heard about this book early November last year through Atom's upcoming catalogue.  Instantly I was drawn to this book.  I needed to read this.  When I attended the Atom bloggers party, we all did a somewhat fangirly gasp with excitement when this was mentioned.  Sadly we didn't get this book then and had to wait just a while longer for its greatness.  But it was worth the wait!!!

Upon starting the book I felt there was a lot of information to take in.  Not only were you learning about the characters (of which there were quite a few), but also this new world which is very different to ours today.  I was a little confused, but once I engaged my brain following became easier.

You start with life in the Reverie with Aria and then move to life with Perry on the outside.  Their lives are vastly different.  Reading from both of the characters perspectives was incredible.  It brought a lot of diversity to the story and made seeing things from both of their views that much more understandable.

Aria and Perry are both amazing characters.  They both are ballsy and have a lot to say.  This makes the banter between the characters fun and engaging.

Mid way through I did find the book slowed somewhat and I wasn't quite sure where the story was going.  But at this point some new characters were added, that re-captured my imagination instantly.  I wanted to get more acquainted with these characters and see how their input changed the story and interactions.

There is an epic journey part to the story from here, that had me thinking of Fellowship of The Ring.  I think it was the bringing together of different people and the road trip (well woods trip) that they go on.

My attention did wain a little again, but I was pulled back very quickly this time with a very strong conclusion to the story.  And by conclusion I mean end to this part of the story, as this is another trilogy and so we have more to hear from these great new characters.

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

This Is Published In The UK By ATOM

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good bookstores

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (33) Pure By Julianna Baggott

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine      

Pure By Julianna Baggott
Published In The UK By Headline
Due For Release February 2012
Goodreads LINK
Amazon LINK

"We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again."

So I don't have to wait for too long for this one, but this is still pretty damn cool sounding and worthy of an Oooooh!!!!  I do love some dystopia and this sounds like a cracker!!!

Review - Dark Parties By Sara Grant

"Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says...

Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most"

Firstly fantastic UK cover.  Not only is it eye catching, but the pages also have a somewhat velveteen feel to them.  You can see lots of little flecks on the cover, which I presumed to be snow flakes.  That little edition makes a lot of sense as you read the book.  Look out for it!!!

I heard about this last year and had a somewhat instant attraction to the look and feel of it.   Keeping with the popular dystopian theme, which I adore and so it couldn't arrive quick enough!!


Initially it took my head a little getting used to reading this as its written in first person - a style that I personally don't read that often.  I was surprised at how quickly I got used to this.  I think I found the story so engrossing that its easy to just get swept away.


The idea of the protectosphere freaked me out rather a lot.  Its something I'd never really thought of but once you start reading this story you can't help but to kind of extend on it again.  Imagining being confined to a small area forever brought on a case of claustrophobia I have never felt before.  And then you go on to read the side effects of living in this confined space for many years and you quickly see how this would be such a bad thing.  I also couldn't help but imagine the place under the sphere to be England, this is something that has not been confirmed to me so I don't mean to put ideas in your head, just for me it felt all the more familiar.


The story then becomes even more creepy by people just disappearing and being forgotten.  This factor kind of broke me.  Having lost people in my life, its their memory that keeps them going.  In Dark Parties they want every part of them to disappear and that thought proved what a hard place this world would be to live in.


I think you could say I got thoroughly engrossed in this story, even placing myself in Neva's shoes - thinking what would I do??  I know I would be no where near as gutsy as her character.  My heart was literally pounding at one point in story.


There are so many twists and turns with the characters, my head was spinning at one point.  I honestly had no idea who I should trust & just when I thought I had made up my mind something would happen to change it all over again.


I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  I was on the edge of my seat for most of the story and am so eager to see where the story will go next.  Do I really have to wait nearly a year??

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Indigo

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at all good bookstores

I'm taking part in the blog tour for this wonderful book!  Please come back on 29th January to see what Sara has to say!!!

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (22) Insurgent By Veronica Roth

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 

Insurgent By Veronica Roth
Published In The UK By Harper Collins Childrens Books
Due For Release April / May 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK


"One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so."

Divergent was probably one of my favourite books EVER!!  That has got me well and truly excited for this follow up.  And besides everything I will get to read of my book husband Four again - yep that boy is mine <3

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (21) Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 
 
Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver
Published In The UK By Hodder
Due For Release March 2012
Amazon LINK

"I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite."

Delirium was without doubt one of my favourite reads of 2011.  It was a story that I could immerse myself in 100% and have since recommended it to so many people.  I'm so desperate to know what happens next & know I'll find it hard to put down my copy once I get it!!!

The UK cover hasn't been released yet, but here is a peek at the US cover.  I wonder what beauty we will get???  

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (20) Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 

Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi
Published In The UK By ATOM
Due For Release February 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK



"Exiled from her comfortable home in the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. In Reverie, she spent time with her friends roaming virtual environments called Realms. But in The Death Shop, even the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage. He’s also her only hope for survival.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry sees Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he also needs Aria’s help; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, they come together reluctantly, and embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by cannibals and wolves. Their unlikely alliance will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure"

I can see me basically listing the whole of Atom's new releases here over the next few weeks.  They have some of the most exciting up coming titles and this is no exception.  This sounds a great mix of fantasy and dystopia - these books leave me saying 'Bring on 2012!!'

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (18) Fever By Lauren DeStefano

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
Fever: The Chemical Garden series By Lauren DeStefano
Published In The UK By Harper Voyager
Due For Release In February 2012
Amazon LINK


"For 17-year-old Rhine Ellery, a daring escape from a suffocating polygamous marriage is only the beginning…
Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago – surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.
The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous – and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion…by any means necessary.
In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price – now that she has more to lose than ever."


I loved Wither SO MUCH!!!  I'm begging everyone I can for a copy of this but so far very unsuccessful.  I NEED this book NOW!!!!