In My Mailbox #13

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Purchased:
All You Desire (Eternal Ones, #2) by Kirsten Miller (GoodReads)

From the Library:
Divergent by Veronica Roth (GoodReads)
Twisted by Sara Shepard (GoodReads)
Supernaturally by Kiersten White (GoodReads)
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (GoodReads)
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares (GoodReads) [not pictured]

I had a great week- got lots of things I have been waiting on! I have read Twisted and Sisterhood Everlasting, so should be reviewing those soon! What's in your mailbox?

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

 
Rating: 5/5 Hoots

Release Date: July 26, 2011

GoodReads.Com Summary:
When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

My Review:
Wow! This sequel to Nightshade does not disappoint! The same intensity, action and emotion I loved in the first book is also present in Wolfsbane. While the first book focuses on Calla’s life among the Guardians, in this book she is thrust into the world of the people she always believed were her enemies, the Searchers. I loved learning more of the mythology of the Searchers, Keepers and Guardians and more of the personal histories of the characters.

We are also introduced to a new group of characters, Searchers on the Haldis team. I enjoyed getting to know each of the new characters (especially Adne, her weaving skills were so cool!), and seeing the return of some of my favorites of Calla’s packmates. Each character has such a unique personality that even though there are a lot of them it is easy to keep them straight. Calla is also an impressive character, I love her strength and how she is completely unapologetic about who she is.

Plot-wise, the love triangle between Calla, Shay and Ren is so compelling! It makes it hard to decide which guy to root for (although I think after this book I am more Team Shay). Calla shares something real with both of them, and they each have their HOT romantic moments! The action/fight scenes do not disappoint either.

I can’t wait for the next installment, Bloodrose!

In My Mailbox #12

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

From the library:
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (GoodReads)
Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer (GoodReads)

For Review:
Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch (GoodReads)


Kind of a light week for me, but I was excited to finally read Twenty Boy Summer, and I am so glad to have gotten Wolfsbane! I just started it but will have a review up soon!

What's in your mailbox?

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Rating: 5/5 Hoots


Release Date: 6/7/2011


GoodReads.com Summary: 
A mysterious island.An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
 
My Review:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was a exciting and original adventure with lots of surprises. I enjoyed reading about Jacob's relationship with his grandfather at the beginning of the book- it was a great set-up for the rest of the story. Another original aspect that I thought was interesting was the setting- Cairnholm  Island, off the coast of Wales. It's isolation and primitive living conditions made it an ideal setting for a time travel story- it is almost a place out of time on its own.

I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and was immediately drawn in. Jacob's journey to meet the peculiar children from his Grandfather's stories was fascinating, and I liked reading about each of their personalities and peculiar talents. The author did a great job of weaving in actual historical elements with the fantasy- it added to the magical, spooky atmosphere. Jacob goes through an interesting transformation from loner to leader/hero- I liked seeing him grow into those roles. The romantic storyline is great too- sweet and flirtatious but it does not overpower or detract from the action. Finally, the villains are scary and unlike anything I've read about before!

The design of the book is gorgeous- the cover, the endpapers, and the photographs all contribute to the allure and the overall atmosphere of the story. I think the fact that the collection of strangely fascinating images included in the book are all real photographs that the author found in personal collections is amazing! I am so impressed with how he collected these images and wove such a great story from them!