[Book Culture] The Cats of YA

So I woke up to an instagram feed of cats!
Yes, cats and not just any cats but YA cats.
And then I thought... 

Why should Grumpy Cat get all the accolades? 

So... I present you with the cats of YA!

Ransom Riggs

Tammara Webber

Rachel Hawkins

Rainbow Rowell

Veronica Rossi

Shannon Messenger

Richelle Mead

Kimberly Derting

Julie Kagawa

Julie Murphy

[Throwback] Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

Buy on Amazon or Book Depository

Title: Delirium

Series: Delirium #1

Author: Lauren Oliver [Twitter | Facebook | Website] 

Audiobook Performer: Sarah Drew

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Young Adult- Science Fiction, Dystopia

Release Date: February 3, 2011

Source: audiobook via public library/OverDrive – review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

Letters to the Characters

Since this series is complete and it's sort of a throwback, I'm just gonna write some shipping letters. It's my blog, my rules. 

Lena, oh sweet Lena. I adore you for all of your qualities. Girl you are fierce, smart, witty and so naive that it's endearing. And not naive about this deliria nonsense, we all know that's craziness, but about sweet first kisses, butterflies, secret crush codes, flirting, and all of the yucky, love stuff. Lena I LOVED spending the hours in my car to and from work with you as you went on your exploits to spend more and more waking moments with Alex. Thank you for reminding me what middle school love feels like. I needed those smiles and giggles while sitting hours of traffic each day. 

"It's amazing how words can do that, just shred your insides apart. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me - such bullshit."

Alex, I swear I saw you on my TV Monday night. In case you're wondering I've attached a photo below. 

You're such a nice guy... so far... that I couldn't imagine you as a book boyfriend, because I'd be too mean. Also that whole motorcycle bit broke my heart... I mean, broke it. Please don't make Lena promise you anything like that again. No more sacrifices, Lena's a cool chick but let's try and stay alive. K? Mkay.

"I'm tired of sleeping.”

Hana, Every girl needs a person like you. Someone to run with, be the voice of reason and believe in you. You're that awesome girl, and I hope you are brave and fearless. I have a feeling we're going to need you in the next book. 

“You can't be happy unless you're
unhappy sometimes".” 

Gracie, Stay strong. Don't give up your fight on silence. One day you'll venture into the wilds and you'll be home. 

4 Stars: Read it!!! I'm already listening to book 2. I couldn't wait!

[Waiting on Wednesday] Talon by Julie Kagawa

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

This Week's Pick: 

Pre-Order on Amazon or The Book Depository

Title: Talon
Series: Talon #1
Author: Julie Kagawa [Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog]
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary via Goodreads: 

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

Why I'm Waiting...

Do I really have to explain?

1. Julie Kagawa.
2. There's dragons.
3. See 1 and 2. 

And I have MAJOR book envy over those who've acquired an ARC already!!!!

[Top Ten Tuesday] Book Covers I'd Frame as Pieces of Art

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Book Covers I'd Frame as Pieces of Art

These are my picks, all for very different reasons.
I would frame them or make them into wall art, minus the text.

 

 

 

 

 

Other Best Book Cover Lists:

The 22 Most Iconic Book Covers of All Time via BuzzFeed

Cover Listopia via Goodreads

What makes a book cover art?

[Review] Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

This is an adult novel which may contain material not suitable for readers
under 17, including sex and the use of drugs/alcohol. 

Buy on Amazon or the Book Depository

Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Series: Age of X #1

Author: Richelle Mead [ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website ]

Publisher: Dutton

Genre: Adult - Science Fiction, Dystopia, Mythology

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Source: library checkout – review policy here.

Diversity: Ethnic, Religious and Socio-Economic diversity

Synopsis via Goodreads:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

I love it! I'm not going to lie, as with most sci-fi books there is a lot of groundwork to be laid. Extensive world building that, after 448 pages, I could see all play out on the back of my eye lids like a Super 8.

RUNA and everything not RUNA. Mead intricately lays out how the world is now. The combinations of ethnicities, a caste system and a government suspicious of religious practices make fir a very diverse future. Interfuse this with super-human people (praetorians), genetic manipulation and mythology you have a world built like no other.

Favorite character(s): Horatio and Magnus, these are the ravens that live inside protagonist Justin's head. They are hilarious, wise and remind me of the subconscious. Of course this made me think Justin was crazy but no spoilers... I also really enjoyed Tessa who is a teenager new to RUNA and is super intelligent and naively adorable. Major bonus is that she is not delicate but feminine while being smart and was chosen by Justin to be his prodigy. Major girl power points in my book!

The mythology: There are so many religious/mythological references. As someone who is not well versed in mythology (or Christianity), the book became a slower read for me. Let's just say Wikipedia and I became good friends and then the ADD would kick in so I'd spend an hour researching all kinds of goodies instead of reading... :/ But, as I learned more it all came together, some obvious and some very subtle. I appreciated both. I really like the idea of all these female deities, maybe it's the feminist in me.

The action. The fight scenes and adult scenes make this book! Just when I'm being overloaded with information there are swoons or spirit animals coming out of no where. Chases, deaths and other action worthy awesomeness.

My Goodreads updates:

4-Stars: If world building and science fiction/mythology are your thing then this is the read for you. It's definitely a different kind of book for Mead, and I heart it so much I think I found my next tattoo!

I'm looking forward to book two, Immortal Crown,
which I'll review within the next week or so! 

 Releases May 29, 2014

Pre-Order on Amazon or Book Depository