Monthly Wrap-up: January 2014

Monthly Wrap-up is where I tell you about what happened during the month,

including what I reviewed, what interesting things happened, and other random things

{Review} Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy - Karen Foxlee

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
By Karen Foxlee
Genre: MG Fantasy
Release Date: Jan 28 / 2014
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

{Bookish Survey} The Hunger Games: Panem Favourites Part 2

Hey, all! Now I return with part 2 of the Hunger Games Survey! I hope you all enjoy and if you haven't read part 1, here it is.

{Review} The Lost Planet - Rachel Searles

The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles
Genre: MG Science Fiction
Release Date: Jan 28 / 2014
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

This is what the boy is told:
• He woke up on planet Trucon, inside a fence he shouldn't have been able to pass.
• He has an annirad blaster wound to the back of his head.
• He has no memory.
• He is now under the protection of a mysterious benefactor.
• His name is Chase Garrety.

This is what Chase Garrety knows:
• He has a message: "Guide the star."
• Time is running out.

{Review} Warrior - Ellen Oh

Warrior by Ellen Oh
Series: The Dragon King Chronicles #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: Dec 31 / 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen

First an outcast, now a hero.

But her fight rages on.

Kira, the yellow-eyed demon slayer who fiercely protected her kingdom—and the crown prince—has been proclaimed the Dragon Musado of the prophecy. With the defeated the evil shaman.

But it wasn’t enough.

Hansong is in chaos. The Demon Lord’s minions have infiltrated the city, treason is brewing among the military ranks, and Kira is buried by the overwhelming loss of her parents. She’s also plagued by the annoying feelings that blossom whenever she’s around Jaewon. But she is determined that nothing will stop her from finding the second treasure needed to fulfill the Dragon King’s prophecy. Not even the army of half-breed demons hot on their trail. If only she could learn to trust others...

Her father always said one person can change the world. Will it be Kira?

Waiting on Wednesday #55 - The Shadow Throne

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Genre: MG Fantasy
Release Date: Feb 25 / 2014
Publisher: Scholastic

Jennifer A. Nielsen takes readers on an extraordinary journey in this final installment of the New York Times bestselling Ascendance Trilogy.

War is coming. . . . Join Jaron as he embarks on his final adventure!

There isn't really a synopsis for this one, sadly. I'm still super pumped for it. I just love this series so much and I love how cunning Jaron is! The lack of romance could be fixed but I would still give the entire series a gigantic A+ :D If you haven't checked it out, please do >___<

{Review} Red - Alison Cherry

Red by Alison Cherry
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: Oct 8 / 2013
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Felicity St. John has it all—loyal best friends, a hot guy, and artistic talent. And she’s right on track to win the Miss Scarlet pageant. Her perfect life is possible because of just one thing: her long, wavy, coppery red hair.

Having red hair is all that matters in Scarletville. Redheads hold all the power—and everybody knows it. That’s why Felicity is scared down to her roots when she receives an anonymous note:

I know your secret.

Because Felicity is a big fake. Her hair color comes straight out of a bottle. And if anyone discovered the truth, she’d be a social outcast faster than she could say "strawberry blond." Her mother would disown her, her friends would shun her, and her boyfriend would dump her. And forget about winning that pageant crown and the prize money that comes with it—money that would allow her to fulfill her dream of going to art school.

Felicity isn’t about to let someone blackmail her life away. But just how far is she willing to go to protect her red cred?

{Weekly Craving} Jan 2014 #2

Weekly Craving is a feature where I show what's newly released on my TBR

{Review} Defy - Sara B. Larson

Defy by Sara B. Larson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: Jan 7 / 2014
Publisher: Scholastic

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

Waiting on Wednesday #54 - Half Bad

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating

{Review} Allegiant - Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Genre: YA Dystopia
Release Date: Oct 22 / 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

{Weekly Craving} Jan 2014 #1

Weekly Craving is a feature that shows what's newly released on my TBR

Stacking the Shelves - January 2014

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews

that shows what we hauled this week

As I've decided now that I'm not all that good with doing timely haul posts, I thought I'd just do one or two every month instead. This month's haul will also feature all the stuff I got throughout the holidays. I actually didn't buy a lot of books. They've mostly piled up from the last half of November until now so it might seem like a lot. I mostly just bought clothes, makeup, etc. Let's start with books, shall we?

{Review} The Madman's Daughter - Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Genre: YA Historical Fiction & Horror
Release Date: Jan 29 / 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

{Mini Review} Crown of Midnight - Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: Aug 27 / 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.

But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Crown of Midnight was a stunning sequel to Throne of Glass. We continue with Celaena's newfound career as the King's Champion. Rebellion is brewing and everything is so much more intense than the first book. Romance was a definite plus in this book as well with Chaol and Dorian both vying for her attention (I love Chaol more by the way). It's an action-packed book that leaves you hanging at the hand and waiting for the sequel.