Waiting On Wednesday || Winterspell by Claire Legrand

Winterspell by Claire Legrand
September 30, 2014

New York City, 1899. Clara Stole, the mayor's ever-proper daughter, leads a double life. Since her mother's murder, she has secretly trained in self-defense with the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Then, on Christmas Eve, disaster strikes.

Her home is destroyed, her father abducted--by beings distinctly not human. To find him, Clara journeys to the war-ravaged land of Cane. Her only companion is the dethroned prince Nicholas, bound by a wicked curse. If they're to survive, Clara has no choice but to trust him, but his haunted eyes burn with secrets--and a need she can't define. With the dangerous, seductive faery queen Anise hunting them, Clara soon realizes she won't leave Cane unscathed--if she leaves at all.

If you couldn't tell already, I'm really intrigued by retellings. And even though it's a little hazy now, I do remember having some sort of fixation with The Nutcracker as a child. There was a TV movie, I think. I watched it a lot.

This retelling sounds dark and moody. And truthfully, I can't wait!

Waiting On Wednesday || Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
September 23, 2014

Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings...

Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most.

I'll be honest, I've heard mixed things about this one. Some people really love it and some people have felt that it would've been stronger if it had just been Lizzie's story, instead of both.

Still, the basic premise of this is that Darcy writes a novel during NaNoWriMo and sells it. As a WriMo myself, that's obviously the dream, regardless of how realistic it is. So I'm intrigued about Darcy's story. Her process and her writing. And her novel sounds super intriguing as well.

I think this is one of those books where you have to decide for yourself how you feel about it. So I'm interested in giving it a try!

Waiting On Wednesday || Falls the Shadow by Stefanie Gaither

Falls the Shadow by Stefanie Gaither
September 16, 2014

When Cate Benson was a kid, her sister, Violet, died. Two hours after the funeral, Cate’s family picked up Violet’s replacement. Like nothing had happened. Because Cate’s parents are among those who decided to give their children a sort of immortality—by cloning them at birth—which means this new Violet has the same smile. The same perfect face. Thanks to advancements in mind-uploading technology, she even has all of the same memories as the girl she replaced.

She also might have murdered the most popular girl in school.

At least, that’s what the paparazzi and the anti-cloning protestors want everyone to think: that clones are violent, unpredictable monsters. Cate is used to hearing all that. She’s used to defending her sister, too. But Violet has vanished, and when Cate sets out to find her, she ends up in the line of fire instead. Because Cate is getting dangerously close to secrets that will rock the foundation of everything she thought was true.

This is the month of gorgeous covers and standalone novels, I feel, because look at that. 

Also, man, I am so here for a cloning plot line. Especially when there's protest involved. As you might've guessed, I'm a sucker for the whole "things are more than they seem" plot device. I'm hoping this book delves into some tough stuff--like the idea of personhood. I can't wait!

Waiting On Wednesday || Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman

Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman
September 9, 2014

Emmeline knows she’s not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters. Living with the shame of her grandmother’s insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent.

When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, it’s an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate clean—even if she has eyes for another. But before she’s forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a path she can’t help but follow. The trail leads to a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isn’t careful, she will be next.

I have to admit, this is at least 50% because of that cover. I'm a shallow person, we've established this. And that cover is gorgeous.

Also, the synopsis seems to suggest that there's more to this than it would seem. And I love a good mystery. We'll have to see how this one plays out, I suppose!

Waiting On Wednesday || Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper
September 23, 2014

Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.

Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

Two witch books in a row... I promise that was unintentionally.

I really love magical tales, especially ones that skirt the edges of our reality. And clairvoyance is also definitely a thing I am super into. Plus, the whole embracing your inheritance thing is also a win.

And let's take a moment to appreciate that cover. Oh my.

Waiting On Wednesday || Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial By Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini
September 2, 2014

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian... Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

Alternate universes! Witches! Evil selves!

This book has basically everything I'm into. I can't wait to see how this is all going to play out. Also, come on, Salem and witches... this is obviously going to end badly.

Waiting On Wednesday || Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories by Rae Carson

Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories (Fire and Thorns #0.5-0.7) by Rae Carson
July 22, 2014

The Shadow Cats is told from the perspective of Elisa’s older sister. Discover how their sibling rivalry looks from Alodia’s viewpoint, and find out why Alodia agrees to marry her sister off to King Alejandro of Joya de Vega.

The Shattered Mountain revolves around Elisa’s best friend and handmaiden, Mara. Before she meets Elisa at the rebel camp in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, she suffers her own tragedy. Her village is destroyed and she must lead the few young survivors to safety.

The King’s Guard centers on Hector, Commander of the Royal Guard and Elisa’s true love. Set years before The Girl of Fire and Thorns, it shows us fifteen-year-old Hector as a new recruit. He must prove himself—and he discovers a secret he must keep forever.

!!!!!!!!!

I don't know how I'm going to talk about this without flailing all over myself.

I read the Fire and Thorns trilogy in its entirety earlier this year and just loved it. Like. You don't even understand. It's probably one of my favourite trilogies of all time.

I knew these prequel stories were out in ebook form when I was reading the trilogy, but I didn't really have any desire to seek them out. I'm not super huge into ebooks right now. And plus, I saw that this collection was being published in paperback form soon.

So soon!

I absolutely cannot wait to be back in this world. I'm excited to see what Alodia has to say for herself in the first story. And I really want to know more about Mara. And ughhhhhh, Hector. I just. Can you say book boyfriend? I am so ready for this.

Waiting On Wednesday || Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine

Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine
August 5, 2014

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her... for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her... and she might go down with it.

I wasn't really too fussed about this book originally. I mean, that cover is gorgeous, but I just kept passing over this one.

And then I read somewhere that this is a Phantom of the Opera reimagining/retelling. And just like that, I'm in. I can't wait to see how this all plays out now. (And yes, I realize technically this came out yesterday, but shush.)

Waiting On Wednesday || I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister by Amelie Sarn

I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister by Amélie Sarn
August 5, 2014

Eighteen-year-old Sohane loves no one more than her beautiful, carefree younger sister, Djelila. And she hates no one as much. The two have always shared everything. But now, Djelila is embracing her life as a secular teen, and Sohane is becoming more religious.

Every choice has a price.

When Sohane starts wearing a head scarf, her school insists that she remove it or she’ll be expelled. Meanwhile, Djelila is repeatedly harassed by neighborhood bullies for not following Muslim customs. Sohane can’t help thinking that Djelila deserves what she gets. She never could have imagined just how far things would go.

I love I hate I miss my sister.

In the year following Djelila’s tragic death, Sohane struggles with her feelings of loss and guilt, revealing a complex relationship between two sisters, each girl’s path to self-discovery, and the consequences they face for being true to themselves.

I just came across this book recently as I was looking for books to be published in the next handful of months. And that title immediately intrigued me... especially with that gorgeous typography layout on the cover.

Then, I read the synopsis. I'm really intrigued by the premise of this book. I'd like to see how it explores both diversity, religion and familial relationships. I'm glad I came across it!

Waiting On Wednesday || The Young World by Chris Weitz

The Young World (The Young World #1) by Chris Weitz
July 29, 2014

After a mysterious Sickness wipes out the rest of the population, the young survivors assemble into tightly run tribes. Jefferson, the reluctant leader of the Washington Square tribe, and Donna, the girl he's secretly in love with, have carved out a precarious existence among the chaos. But when another tribe member discovers a clue that may hold the cure to the Sickness, five teens set out on a life-altering road trip to save humankind.

The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park...and discovers truths they could never have imagined.

I need to have a moment to appreciate that cover, okay?

...

Phew. Okay.

Let's look at that premise though: post-apocalyptic road trip? Yeah, I'm in. And with five main characters, I'm hoping for some great ensemble interactions. Plus, who doesn't like to read about vicious teenagers? I'm hoping this book is an action-packed roller coaster ride that punches me right in the feels.

Waiting On Wednesday || Extraction by Stephanie Diaz

Extraction (Extraction #1) by Stephanie Diaz
July 22, 2014

Clementine has spent her whole life preparing for her sixteenth birthday, when she’ll be tested for Extraction in the hopes of being sent from the planet Kiel’s toxic Surface to the much safer Core, where people live without fear or starvation. When she proves promising enough to be “Extracted,” she must leave without Logan, the boy she loves. Torn apart from her only sense of family, Clem promises to come back and save him from brutal Surface life.

What she finds initially in the Core is a utopia compared to the Surface—it’s free of hard labor, gun-wielding officials, and the moon's lethal acid. But life is anything but safe, and Clementine learns that the planet's leaders are planning to exterminate Surface dwellers—and that means Logan, too.

Trapped by the steel walls of the underground and the lies that keep her safe, Clementine must find a way to escape and rescue Logan and the rest of the planet. But the planet leaders don't want her running—they want her subdued.

The initial premise here really reminds me of Under the Never Sky, but with a twist. I really enjoy the whole "more than what it seems" trope, especially in a utopia/dystopia context.

I'm hoping Clementine will be a clever lead. I'm intrigued by the established relationship here, because of how it might all play out. I just hope we avoid the dreaded love triangle. I guess we'll see!

Waiting On Wednesday || The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1) by Amber Lough
July 22, 2014

A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything...

Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love.

This book came up on my radar relatively recently. And it grabbed my attention immediately. Because first, look at the typography on that cover. Yes please. Also a YA book about jinni? Yes please.

I'm hoping for some awesome female representation in this book (hopefully with some great female friendships). And again hopefully some slow burn romance, what with the while "young men [they] are just discovering they might love" bit. Should be interesting!

Waiting On Wednesday || Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
July 8, 2014

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts...

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

This is probably one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I absolutely cannot wait because I love Rowell's writing. And hey, a magic telephone? I'm in.

Waiting On Wednesday || Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones
July 15, 2014

When the MK virus swept across the planet, a vaccine was created to stop the epidemic, but it came with some unexpected side effects. A small percentage of the population developed superhero-like powers. Seventeen-year-old Ciere Giba has the handy ability to change her appearance at will. She's what's known as an illusionist...She's also a thief.

After a robbery goes awry, Ciere must team up with a group of fellow super-powered criminals on another job that most would consider too reckless. The formula for the vaccine that gave them their abilities was supposedly destroyed years ago. But what if it wasn't?

The lines between good and bad, us and them, and freedom and entrapment are blurred as Ciere and the rest of her crew become embroiled in a deadly race against the government that could cost them their lives.

This book first appeared on my radar back in January when I was compiling a Top 10 Tuesday post about upcoming releases.

If you haven't already figured it out, I freaking love superheroes. And not only does this book plan to deliver that, but combine it with shades of grey morality. I'm so in.

I'm looking forward to what promises to be an action-packed thrill-ride of a book!

Waiting On Wednesday || Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
June 3, 2014

Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than either ever realized.

When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other's lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.

I know that this book is technically already out, but I'm late to the party.

Still, I'm really interested to read a book about neuroatypical protagonists. We need more diversity in books and I hope the characters are treated with the respect they deserve. I can't wait to get to know Amy and Matthew.

Waiting on Wednesday || Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) by Leigh Bardugo
June 17, 2014

The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Aaaaah. The conclusion to this trilogy is so close I can almost taste it.

With Siege and Storm fresh in my mind I cannot wait to see where this final book will take us. With book 2 came many unexpected twists, so I know better than to trust this book at all!

Alina has become a very different person with the amplifiers and I wonder what her new-found cruelty will cost her. And how on earth are we going to defeat the Darkling? And at what cost? (Ack, I am actually super worried about the death toll of this book, not going to lie.)

Also, I need more Sturmhond in my life. Come on!

Waiting On Wednesday || The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings
June 10, 2014

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.

The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?

I have pretty much been down for this book since I first saw it mentioned around the blogosphere. The tagline on the book just adds to my intrigue: "She's trained to survive. He's programmed to kill." I mean, come on!

I'm hoping Meadow will turn out to be a kick ass heroine without succumbing to the same tired old tropes. I'm also crossing my fingers for minimal romance, or at the very least a slow burn. And I want to know more about the Murder Complex. What exactly does it do? Why? How are we (obviously) going to try to stop it?

Can't wait!