Waiting on Wednesday (65)

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

So, it's been a very looooong time since I've done a WoW post, but I just had to share my book pick with y'all...

A Snicker of Magic

by Natalie Lloyd

2/25/14

Scholastic

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Introducing an extraordinary new voice---a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten . . .and your heart sing.

Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.

But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere---shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears---but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster.

Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town . . . and her mother's broken heart.

*************************************

Oh my cupcakes y'all! Ya know how sometimes you see a book and you're all "Hmm, yes this looks good. I would like very much to read it" *strokes beard and/or chin thoughtfully*...but then there are books that have you all "OHMYCUPCAKES! THIS BOOK CALLS TO ME AND WAS OBVIOUSLY MADE JUST FOR ME AND I MUST HAVE IT NOW *flails wildly*......well, A Snicker of Magic is definitely the latter for me! I love everything about this book-- the magical premise, the awesome middle-gradeness about it, the town name Midnight Gulch, AND THAT COVER! I seriously want to lick that cover (is that weird?!). I just can't even deal with all this "must have this book" feels right now. I cannot wait until Febuary and this sparkly little booger is in my hands!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON THIS WEEK?!

Waiting On Wednesday: The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

by Sheila Turnage

Feb. 11, 2014

Penguin

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The eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times Lucky

Small towns have rules. One is, you got to stay who you are -- no matter how many murders you solve.

When Miss Lana makes an Accidental Bid at the Tupelo auction and winds up the mortified owner of an old inn, she doesn't realize there's a ghost in the fine print. Naturally, Desperado Detective Agency (aka Mo and Dale) opens a paranormal division to solve the mystery of the ghost's identity. They've got to figure out who the ghost is so they can interview it for their history assignment (extra credit). But Mo and Dale start to realize that the Inn isn't the only haunted place in Tupelo Landing. People can also be haunted by their own past. As Mo and Dale handily track down the truth about the ghost (with some help from the new kid in town), they discover the truth about a great many other people, too.

A laugh out loud, ghostly, Southern mystery that can be enjoyed by readers visiting Tupelo Landing for the first time, as well as those who are old friends of Mo and Dale.

***********************

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is a companion to one of my favorite reads last year, and one of my all time fave middle-grade books, Three Times Lucky. When I read Three Times Lucky I fell in love with Sheila Turnage's storytelling and her charming characters, and her heroine, Mo, is one of the best! I'm so excited to dive back into this delightful southern setting and join the Desperado Detective Agency as they solve another exciting mystery! If you're a middle-grade fan or know a middle-grade reader, I can't recommend this funny, smart, heart-warming series enough!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (64): The Real Boy

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

The Real Boy

by Anne Ursu

9/24/13

Walden Pond Press

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From Anne Ursu, the author of one of the most widely acclaimed middle-grade novels in recent memory, comes a new fairy-tale adventure of magic and friendship.

On an island at the edge of an immense sea there is a city, a forest, and a boy. The city is called Asteri, a perfect city that was saved by the magic woven into its walls from a devastating plague that swept through the world over a hundred years before. The forest is called the Barrow, a vast wood of ancient trees that encircles the city and feeds the earth with magic. And the boy is called Oscar, a shop boy for the most powerful magician in the Barrow. Oscar spends his days in a small room in the dark cellar of his master's shop grinding herbs and dreaming of the wizards who once lived on the island generations ago. Oscar's world is small, but he likes it that way. The real world is vast, strange, and unpredictable. And Oscar does not quite fit in.

But it's been a long time since anyone who could call himself a wizard walked the world, and now that world is changing. Children in the city are falling ill and something sinister lurks in the forest. Oscar has been content to stay in his small room in the cellar, comforted in the knowledge that the magic that flows from the trees will keep his island safe. Now, even magic may not be enough to save it...

What are you waiting on this week?!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (63): The Infinite Moment of Us

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

The Infinite Moment of Us

by Lauren Myracle

8/20/13

Amulet/Abrams

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For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now . . . not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are?
Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.
And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them . . .
Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.

Two words: Lauren. Myracle...that's all I need to hear to know that I must read this book. I'm such a Lauren Myracle fangirl and love everything she writes, so you better believe I'm excitedly waiting on this one! Plus "sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life..." sounds like a bucket of awesome!

What are you waiting on this week?!

'Waiting On" Wednesday (62): Crest (Ondine Quartet #3)

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Crest

(Ondine Quartet #3)

by Emma Raveling

July/August 2013

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Illusion. Power. Identity.

Tensions are reaching a fever pitch everywhere Kendra Irisavie turns.

Darkness settles over elementals as a new threat stirs suspicions of a betrayal from within. Details of recent events spread through Haverleau, prompting doubts over Irisavie leadership. The mysterious Selkie Kingdom finally opens its doors, but the gesture only fans the flames of division. And despite the perils involved, Kendra finds it difficult to ignore the demands of her heart.

As the body count rises, pressure also grows to shift the tides of war. Thesondaleur is on the hunt, but tracking the Aquidae leader is the greatest challenge she’s ever faced. With the Shadow playing a deadly game of obsession and horror, Kendra’s best chance to win is to unravel a tangled web of deception spanning back to the origins of the elemental world.

Nothing is what it seems and the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her pursuit for answers becomes.

When the unthinkable happens, Kendra must decide if survival is worth the sacrifice.

Conflicting loyalties, fierce passions, and irrevocable choices ignite in the electrifying third installment of the Ondine Quartet.

If you're familiar with my blog and reviews then you know how much I LURVE the Ondine Quartet series and its fabby fab author (seriously, I'm Emma's #1 fan...if there was an Emma Raveling Fan Club, I'd totes be the Prezzy, lol!). I've missed my badass girl, Kendra and my hottie Ondine Quartet boys, Tristan and Julian, and all the awesome, heart-pounding action and romance...basically, I'm so excited and so ready for Crest. Also, that cover is beyond gorgeous!

If you haven't started this series yet (what are you waiting for?!), you can get the Ondine Quartet Collection: Volume 1, which includes books one and two, and the two novellas.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (61): The Living

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

The Living

by Matt De La Pena

11/12/13

Random House

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Shy took the summer job to make some money. In a few months on a luxury cruise liner, he'll rake in the tips and be able to help his mom and sister out with the bills. And how bad can it be? Bikinis, free food, maybe even a girl or two—every cruise has different passengers, after all.

But everything changes when the Big One hits. Shy's only weeks out at sea when an earthquake more massive than ever before recorded hits California, and his life is forever changed.

The earthquake is only the first disaster. Suddenly it's a fight to survive for those left living.

Holy Tidal Wave, Batman! That awesome cover, with the hand coming out of the waves and the big, orange font, drew me in immediately. And that synopsis?! I love how vague it is. Like, we don't know how much catastrophic shit is gonna hit the fan, but we know it's going to be epic...oh, please, please let it be epic! Yep, I'm excited for this one!

What are you waiting on this week?!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (60): Magic Marks the Spot

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Magic Marks the Spot

(The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates #1)

by Caroline Carlson

9/10/13

Harper Collins Childrens

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Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate. She can tread water for thirty-seven minutes. She can tie a knot faster than a fleet of sailors. She particularly enjoys defying authority, especially if that authority orders her to wear a petticoat. She wouldn’t be caught dead eating tiny, crustless sandwiches, and she already owns a rather pointy sword. There’s only one problem: The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to let any girl join their ranks of scourges and scallywags.

Girls belong at Miss Pimm’s Finishing School for Delicate Ladies, learning to waltz, faint, and curtsy. But Hilary and her dearest friend, the gargoyle, have no use for such frivolous lessons— they are pirates! (Or very nearly.)

To escape from a life of petticoats and politeness, Hilary answers a curious advertisement for a pirate crew and suddenly finds herself swept up in a seafaring adventure that may or may not involve a map without an “X,” a magical treasure that likely doesn’t exist, a rogue governess who insists on propriety, a crew of misfit scallywags, and the most treacherous—and unexpected—villain on the High Seas.

Will Hilary find the treasure in time? Will she become a true pirate after all? And what will become of the gargoyle?

********

Umm, pirates, a gargoyle, High Seas adventures? YES PLEASE!! I LOVE everything about this book's premise and that cover is fabulous! I can already tell that I'm going to adore Hilary. I cannot wait to dive into this book!!!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON THIS WEEK?!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (59): Insomnia

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Insomnia

(The Night Walkers #1)

J.R. Johansson

June 8, 2013

Flux

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It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.
Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.
Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.
Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

This one sounds awesomely creepy and thrilling! Definitely doesn't seem like a yawn inducing read ;)

What are you waiting on this week??

"Waiting On" Wednesday (58): Proxy

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Proxy

(Proxy #1)

Alex London

6/18/13

Philomel

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Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.
Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.
Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

Oooh, this one sounds like a grittier, more thrilling and updated version of The Whipping Boy. I'm already excited to meet Knox and Syd!

What are you waiting on this week?

"Waiting On" Wednesday (57): Better Nate Than Ever

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Better Nate Than Ever
Tim Federle
2/5/13
Simon & Schuster BFYR
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Nate Foster has big dreams. His whole life, he’s wanted to star in a Broadway show. (Heck, he'd settle for *seeing* a Broadway show.) But how is Nate supposed to make his dreams come true when he’s stuck in Jankburg, Pennsylvania, where no one (except his best pal Libby) appreciates a good show tune? With Libby’s help, Nate plans a daring overnight escape to New York. There's an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, and Nate knows this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom.

This book had me at Broadway and E.T.: The Musical and that fab cover! Seriously, that cover makes we wanna jazz hands all over the place *dances*. I can't wait to read this middle-grade book and meet Nate and Libby. I'm also excited to get the chance to interview the author, Tim Federle in Feb., so look for that next year!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (56): The End Games

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

The End Games

T. Michael Martin

5/1/13

Harper Collins

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It happened on Halloween.                  The world ended.                               And a dangerous Game brought it back to life.                                 Seventeen-year-old Michael and his five-year-old brother, Patrick, have been battling monsters in The Game for weeks.                                                 In the rural mountains of West Virginia, armed with only their rifle and their love for each other, the brothers follow Instructions from the mysterious Game Master. They spend their days searching for survivors, their nights fighting endless hordes of “Bellows”—creatures that roam the dark, roaring for flesh. And at this Game, Michael and Patrick are very good.                                                                                But The Game is changing.                                                                                    The Bellows are evolving.                                                                       The Game Master is leading Michael and Patrick to other survivors—survivors who don’t play by the rules.And the brothers will never be the same.

This one sounds deliciously dark and thrilling. I'm also kind of in love with that awesome cover!

What are you waiting on this week?!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (55): Boy Nobody

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Boy Nobody

Allen Zadoff

June 11, 2013

Little, Brown BFYR

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They needed the perfect soldier: one who could function in every situation without fear, sympathy or anger; who could assassinate strangers and then walk away emotionally unscathed. So they made Boy Nobody-a teen with no name or history. The perfect soldier. Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school, in a new town, under a new name, makes few friends and doesn't stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend's family to die -- of "natural causes." Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target. But when he's assigned to the mayor of New York City, things change. The daughter seems so much like him; the mayor smells like his father. And when memories and questions surface, the Program is watching. Because somewhere, deep inside Boy Nobody, is somebody: the kid he once was, the teen who wants normal things like a real home and parents, a young man who wants out. And who just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program's mission.

This one definitely has me intrigued and excited! I can't wait to meet Boy Nobody and figure him out.

What are you waiting on this week?!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (54): Sure Signs of Crazy

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

This week I'm excitedly waiting on...

Sure Signs of Crazy

Karen Harrington

July 16, 2013

Little Brown BFYR

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Not every person responds to words the same way. Some words are trouble words. A trouble word will change the face of the person you say it to. Love can be a trouble word for some people. Crazy is also a trouble word.                                      I should know.                                           You've never met anyone exactly like twelve-year-old Sarah Nelson. While most of her classmates geek out over Harry Potter, she writes letters to Atticus Finch. Her best friend is a plant. And she's never known her mother, who has lived in a mental institution since Sarah was two.                                                       Sarah and her dad have spent the past decade moving from one Texas town to another, and she's never felt truly at home....until now. This is the story of one extraordinary summer in which Sarah gets her first real crush, new friends, and the answers about her family she's always been looking for.

I LOVE middle-grade contemporaries that explore difficult real life situations with both humor and powerful insightfulness, and this one seems like it will do just that. And I'm already loving Sarah! I mean the girl has a plant BFF and writes letters to Atticus Finch...she clearly has buckets full of quirky awesomeness(which I lurve!). 

What are you waiting on this week?!