Waiting on Wednesday: Of Triton and Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

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

Woah, I can't believe this is our first WoW post in 7 months! No wonder I've been missing out on so many great new releases last year. This 2013 I'm determined to make this my weekly routine and post consistently.

Here are my WoW picks this week (click title for the Goodreads page):

Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2) by Anna Banks

Release date: May 28th, 2013

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pre-Order: Amazon | Book Depository

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death. 

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Of Poseidon is my favorite mermaid book and one of  my top reads last year. I hated cliffhangers (I still do) but I got to say OP's open ending was brilliant! I admit I got frustrated 5-10 mins after reading the last line but I looked on the bright side and consider it a promise of a more interesting sequel.

And that cover! God, so stunning.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Release date: August 13th, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pre-Order: Amazon | Book Depository

"In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I'm sorry I couldn't be more than I was—that I couldn't stick around—and that what's going to happen today isn't their fault."

Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol. 

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches. 

In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.

 One day I was browsing Goodreads and stumbled across this book. The title and cover intrigued me but I'm sold when I read the summary. I also found out that it's written by the same author who wrote The Silver Linings Playbook  which was adapted into movie, the award-winning Sorta Like a Rockstar and Boy 21. This is the kind of story which has a potential to impact me greatly. My fingers are crossed that it will!  

Falling For You Blog Tour

Hello everyone! We, the Teen Readers' Diary, take part to help the blog tour for Lisa Schroeder 'Falling For You'. Even though I haven't read this book yet, and of course wanting to, I'm happy to give you the full list of the tour as well as a giveaway (cool!) Thanks Mod Podge Blog Tours for arranging the tour! Enjoy! :D

Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give. 

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous. 

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

  

Author Bio

Hi! I'm the author of the young adult novel FALLING FOR YOU as well as the Oregon Book award finalist THE DAY BEFORE. My other YA novels include I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, FAR FROM YOU and CHASING BROOKLYN, all published by Simon Pulse. If you've read one or more of them, thank you!

I'm also the author of two middle grade novels for 8-12 year olds: IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES and SPRINKLES AND SECRETS, both with Aladdin. A third book in this "series" will be released in 2013, called, FROSTING AND FRIENDSHIP.

Blog Tour Schedule

1/1 Promo Post & Giveaway @ The Mod Podge Bookshelf

1/2 Interview & Review @ Book Chic Club

1/3 Guest Blog @ Kelsey Sutton

1/4 Review @ Mundie Moms

1/5 Promo Post @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

1/6 Review @ Hobbitsies

1/7 Interview @ 365 Days of Reading

1/8 Review @ Pure Imagination

1/9 Review @ Good Choice Reading

1/10 Interview & Review @ Kelsey R. Dickson

1/11 Guest Blog @ Girls in the Stacks

1/12 Review @ Reading Angel

1/13 Interview @ Through the Looking Glass Reviews

1/14 Promo Post @ Novel Novice

1/15 Review @ Books Complete Me

1/16 Promo Post @ The Story Siren

1/17 Review @ YA Bliss 

1/18 Promo Post @ Acting Up With Books

1/19 Guest Blog @ YA Reads

1/20 Promo Post @ @ Book Hounds YA 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Smokeless Fire (Fire Spirits #1) by Samantha Young

Smokeless Fire (Fire Spirits #1) by Samantha Young

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Kindle edition: 357 pages

Release Date: October 19th, 2011 

Goodreads rating: 4.10

Blurb: FEAR THE HEAT...

When eighteen year old Ari Johnson is transported from her bedroom into the chilling realm of Mount Qaf - home to the terrifying and mercurial Jinn - she learns a truth that rocks her very world. Suddenly her anxiety over college and her broken friendship with Charlie seem like small change compared to the war she now finds herself stuck in the middle of. Her unease isn’t lessened any by the hot guardian, Jai, who won’t stop following her around everywhere - a Jinn whose loyalty Ari hates to question but must. She has no idea who she can trust.

When the truth burns through her life in its determination to turn it to ashes, Ari will have to battle with ancient deadly creatures, epic family drama and heart-wrenching romantic entanglements.

Review

Samantha Young is officially an addition to my short list of authors who never disappoint. I was first introduced to the brilliance of this woman when I read On Dublin Street, which became one of my favorite contemporary-romance books. Then I found out I have Slumber on kindle when I got it for free on Amazon early last year (never pass up an opportunity for free books people!) and freaking loved it. Smoking Fire does not veer away from my feelings for the former books. 

The book starts off with Ari Johnson whose life is a picture of normal on the outside. In reality, Ari’s life revolves around complications, with her hazy plans for the future, a father who is practically never around and Charlie – the best friend who blames himself for his brother’s death and fell in with the wrong crowd. Life as she knows it becomes more complicated when she’s thrust – both literally and figuratively – into the world of Jinn. Ari learns about the seven kings of Jinn and meets Jai, the guardian appointed by The Red King to protect her. Soon not only did Ari find out that she’s a Jinn but more importantly discover that she’s a significant one. 

This book has everything I want in a paranormal story: action, adventure, an independent heroine and sweet romance. Samantha created a new twist in YA Paranormal by throwing in the Jinn mythology which is very rare – if not unheard of – in YA. The writing is exceptional and utterly engaging that it brought me back from my reading slump. I was so absorbed by the story that I devoured it in a short time. It also helps that Ari, the heroine, is relatable and has a likable personality. The way she took in the news of her true identity was genuine. She’s very loyal and witty too, which I liked the most about her. Jai is protective and overall awesome while Charlie is a broken and extremely flawed but passionate best friend.

I have a love/hate relationship with love triangles. There are some books where I can tolerate them because the authors could pull it off while there are some that manage to annoy the heck out of me. Smokeless Fire has a hint of love triangle and I loved it. Besides, I’m a solid Team Jai girl!

This book isn’t perfect but I definitely loved it regardless. I strongly recommend this to everyone in search for a unique and intriguing read. 

  

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Samantha Young, is a 26 year old writer from Stirlingshire, Scotland. After graduating from the university of Edinburgh, Samantha returned to Stirlingshire where she happily spends her days writing about people she's keen for others to meet, and worlds she's dying for them to visit. Having written over ten young adult urban fantasy novels, Samantha took the big plunge into adult contemporary romance with her novel 'On Dublin Street'. 'On Dublin Street' is a #1 National Bestseller and has been re-published by NAL(Penguin US).

Follow her on these sites: Website││Twitter|| Goodreads

Book Spotlight: The Keeper by Natalie Star

Natalie Star's The Keeper is out in Paperback! Aside from that exciting news, Natalie has reduced the price of e-Book to $2.99 to celebrate its first anniversary. To know more about the book, check out the blurb, excerpt and book trailer below.

The Keeper by Natalie Star

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

e-Book Release: January 3rd 2012 

Paperback Release: December 22nd 2012

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Blurb: The morning of her sixteenth birthday, Billie feels blessed despite the reoccurring nightmare that wakes her. Loving parents, a caring boyfriend, and great friends surround her until an heirloom necklace throws her into a world she never imagined.



“Gifted” with supernatural powers and an unexpected destiny as the Keeper, Billie and a mysterious boy from her past must work together to find answers. But, as they begin to discover feelings for one another, he disappears leaving her to fight evil alone. Her life spirals out of control. She breaks up with her boyfriend, Tony, and alienates her best friends Arianna and Jocelyn to protect them from the truth.



As dark forces pursue her, Billie longs to run away from it all, yet a need to do what’s right compels her to face the future as the keeper of more than her own fortune.


 Buy it on: Amazon

Excerpt

“Do I want to know?” he asked uneasy.
“Probably not, so if you want to call it quits and go on with your life I would totally understand because all of what I have to tell you is unsettling and will be life changing. If you want out, now’s the time.” I waited.
I didn’t know I held my breath until Ty stopped walking. He kept his stare on the ground. “If you don’t tell me now, I will always wonder and probably regret not knowing because it seems important.”
“You need to be absolutely sure you want to know before I tell you. So think about it for a few minutes.” I had an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach for him.
He nodded, and we followed the overgrown trail for a while through curves and switchbacks. The path led through all kinds of trees and wild growth. Never have I seen such beauty in autumn. I could see yellows, oranges, and reds all around us. It would have been silent if it weren’t for the fluttering leaves and nuts falling from the trees, and our feet crunching over the dead vegetation on the ground. I stomped my feet, and I liked the noise it made. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. I put my arms out and spun in a circle while crunching. I felt giddy. I almost forgot where I was and why. Ty regarded me as if I’d lost my mind, which I probably had.
“What?” I asked as I spun past him.
“Just watching you.” He continued to watch with smiling eyes.
“It’s fun. You should try it.” I grabbed his hands because he wouldn’t come willingly, and we spun and spun until we were dizzy. We fell to the ground and lay there for a minute to catch our breath and get our heads straight.
I watched him. He seemed genuinely happy, and I felt genuinely crappy. Could I really take away his happy life and innocence? That’s exactly what I was about to do by unleashing the truth. I sat up.
He too sat up and looked toward me. “You okay?” He twirled a strand of my hair. I knew which bit of hair, too; the one that always curled away on its own.
I shook my head. “Not really. I don’t want to tell you. I thought I did, but now I’m not sure.”
“I don’t want you to tell me…not yet. First let’s have a few more minutes of normal.” He reached for my chin and tilted it toward him and pressed his lips to mine. We lay back in the leaves holding and kissing one another. We were consumed in each other’s sweet perfect kisses.
I pushed away from him and lay my head on his chest. He stroked my hair as we listened to the sounds of Mother Nature. I could hear his heartbeat, and it was calm and soothing. It didn’t match mine.
I jumped to my feet in a split second. I was on total alert. My heart pounded so loud I felt it in my ears.
“What’s going on?” Ty asked. Still on the ground where I was a second ago, he swiveled his head around.
“We’re done with normal.” I reached for my gem. Yep, cold but I didn’t need to feel it, I actually sensed it beforehand. I dropped a hand to help him up. He stared at it. “Ty, come on we don’t have time for this. I am stronger than you, much stronger, so this is why you need to get out of here.”
He took my hand. I pulled him to his feet. He gasped. With a peck on his cheek, I told him, “Go. Run.” But he stood there not moving. I saw and heard nothing. I closed my eyes and went into my mind to see what might come in the near future, and it wasn’t pretty.
“I might need to take my own advice and run.” I took Ty’s arm and dragged him along with me. It was too little, too late. We were surrounded.
“What can I do?” His voice crackled in fear. His head whipped around looking from one monster to the next. The creatures completely surrounded us. There was no way out, and they were hungry, hungry with a desire to kill. I could hear them in my head: kill.
“Try to stay alive,” I said. I felt sick to my stomach because I knew he wouldn’t make it through this.

  

Author Bio

When I'm not reading or writing, I can be found with my husband supporting my two children on the soccer fields. Or maybe running around with my camera taking photos while camping and/or hiking. Or lastly, and most probable - I'm watching movies on Netflix while simultaneously perusing Facebook. 
Our family resides in the state of Virginia along with our old-unintelligent-diabetic cat named Lucky.

Follow Natalie Star on these sites: Website||Blog||Twitter|| Google Plus|| Goodreads|| Shelfari

I Am Alive Book Blitz + Giveaway (INT)

Today Teen Readers' Diary participate on the Book Blitz of Cameron Jace. Check out the excerpt from the book and make sure to enter the giveaway below! :)

I Am Alive(I Am Alive#1) by Cameron Jace

Release date:May 23rd, 2012

Kindle Edition

Blurb: Author Note: starting 12/1/2012 this is a newly professionally edited version 

Every girl dies - not every girl really lives.

Sixteen-year-old Decca Tenderstone feels captivated when she meets gorgeous and reckless Leo, who is arrogant, silent, beautiful, and shoots almost every one he meets.

the usual boring girl meets badboy story... hmm... with a twist ...

They live in a dystopian future in Los Angeles where every sixteen-year-old is ranked on a scale from one to ten to determine their future. Outranks, who are considered a danger to society, are forced to attend the Monster Show, a brutal sacrificing ritual that is  broadcasted worldwide on live TV, where rebellious teens are labelled Bad Kidz or Monsters and get to fight for their lives in deadly games.

To prove that you're still alive you have to scream I Am Alive every six hours. Lower your voice, and you're dead.

Deccaa doesn't need Leo's company. She has a secret of her own. While they both can't stand each other, she will find out why she doesn't fit into any rank.

Nothing will stand in her way as she has to make choices concerning love, life, staying alive, growing up, and finding out who she really is.

during the blitz, the bundle pack (3 books in 1) for Kindle is only 0.99c! 

Note: All "Likers" of Cameron's Facebook page will receive book 4 free!

Excerpt

from Chapter 1:

I am going to surprise you. You have no idea…

Every time the bus hits a patch of uneven pavement, it jostles me from side to side. I am holding on to the overhead railing while on my tiptoes, trying my best to keep my balance. Faustina, the school’s queen bee, laughs at me, checking out her fingernails. She must be calling me a dork under her breath. She is predicted to become a Nine today, and Nines are always mean to me.

I live in a world where every teen is ranked on a scale from five to nine. Nines are the luckiest and highest rank in our nation, and Fives are the lowest rank allowed. I’ve been told that I would make a perfect Seven.

The bus stops in front of my school, Cubberley High. I wait for the Nines and Eights to get out first. Nines are usually the most beautiful. Eights are the most elegant. Predicted Sevens like me have to wait in line. At least I get to get up before the Sixes and the Fives.

Author Bio:

Cameron Jace:Wonderlander, Neverlander, Unicorn-chaser, enchanter, musician, survived a coma, & totally awesome. 

Sometimes I tell stories. Always luv the little monsters      I write young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction mostly. 

The Grimm Diaries series is a seven book saga that deals with retellings of fairy tales from a young adult POV - it connects most of the fairy tales together and claims to be the truth about fairy tales.      I live in San Fransisco and seriously think circles are way cooler than triangles.

Website | Twitter| Goodreads|Facebook

Giveaway: 

 

--One (1) I Am Alive bundle (3 books in 1), and

--One (1) Grimm prequel pack that includes all six Snow White Sorrow prequels. 

~~Fill out this FORM

~~Open internationally. Ends on January 10.