Looking Forward Too... (129)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

It's been a while since I've done one of these Friday Looking Forward posts.  And I miss doing them.

Next Book Is...

When the Stars Throw Down Their Spears

The Goblin Wars #3

By:  Kersten Hamilton

Due Out:  August 6, 2013

I've read, and really enjoyed, the first two books of this trilogy.  I really want to see how it all ends.

Goodreads Synopsis:

“People will die.”

Locked doors are opening, and uncanny creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. The Dark Man has marked Aiden with a new song that’s scared him badly, and a frightening new group of sídhe is lurking nearby.

Teagan knows this is war, and she must protect her family. She leaves her flesh and bones behind to join Finn in hunting the evil beings across the city. Meanwhile, their relationship is heating up—almost faster than they can control. But he is still bound to fight goblins his entire life . . . and by blood she is one of them now.

Then the gateway to Mag Mell cracks open again, and the Wylltsons find themselves caught in a trap. As her loved ones begin to die, Teagan realizes that she must destroy the Dark Man and his minions once and for all in order to save those who remain . . .

. . . before it is too late.

Cover Reveals I've Missed (1)

As I was updating my list of Desired Wants I've found I've missed some cover reveals...Or maybe their aren't final yet and Goodreads has something in.  But I wanted to share them with you.

My son and I are anxiously awaiting Horde....with the ending!  Ga!  This cover sticks close to the theme of all the books.  Then there is the vines.  Maybe we'll be in the woods more?

Horde

Razorland #3

By:  Ann Aguirre

Due Out:  October 29, 2013

(no description yet)

This is a new one and a spin off from the Jax series.  It's set in the space world of the Jax series with different characters...well, except one I think. ;)  I really enjoyed this world creation and look forward to this series as well.

Perdition

Dred Chronicals #1

By:  Ann Aguirre

Due Out:  August 27, 2013

Description:

WELCOME TO HELL

The prison ship Perdition, a floating city where the Conglomerate’s most dangerous criminals are confined for life, orbits endlessly around a barren asteroid.

Life inside is even more bleak. Hailed as the Dread Queen, inmate Dresdemona “Dred” Devos controls one of Perdition’s six territories, bordered on both sides by would-be kings eager to challenge her claim. Keeping them at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a steady influx of new recruits to replace the fallen. Survival is a constant battle, and death is the only escape.

Of the newest convicts, only one is worth Dred’s attention. The mercenary Jael, with his deadly gaze and attitude, may be the most dangerous criminal onboard. His combat skill could give her the edge she needs, if he doesn’t betray her first. Unfortunately, that’s what he does best. Winning Jael’s allegiance will be a challenge, but failure could be worse than death…

Aaaah, I've read the first two books of thise YA series and really looking forward to the conclusion of it.  Now seeing this cover, I'm reeeeeally excited for it to come!

When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

Goblin Wars #3

By:  Kersten Hamilton

Due Out:  August 6, 2013

Description:

“People will die.”

Locked doors are opening, and uncanny creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. The Dark Man has marked Aiden with a new song that’s scared him badly, and a frightening new group of sídhe is lurking nearby.

Teagan knows this is war, and she must protect her family. She leaves her flesh and bones behind to join Finn in hunting the evil beings across the city. Meanwhile, their relationship is heating up—almost faster than they can control. But he is still bound to fight goblins his entire life . . . and by blood she is one of them now.

Then the gateway to Mag Mell cracks open again, and the Wylltsons find themselves caught in a trap. As her loved ones begin to die, Teagan realizes that she must destroy the Dark Man and his minions once and for all in order to save those who remain . . .

. . . before it is too late.

Ooooo, soooo loving the sounds of this new series by Jaye Wells.  I loved her Sabina series, and looking forward to new and fresh stories from her.

Dirty Magic

The Prospero's Wars #1

By: Jaye Wells

Due Out:  January 2014

(no description yet)

Book Review: In The Forests of the Night

In The Forests of the Night

By:  Kersten Hamilton

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group

Publish Date:  November 19, 2011

Format:  Arc

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  2nd book in The Goblin Wars series; Book 1 Tyger Tyger

Recommendation:  Oh Yes!  I love the whole goblin set up and the magical world of Mag Mell.  Did you read the first book and fall in love with the Celtic lore and Finn?  Do go get this one as well.

Book Synopsis:
"Something was calling you, Tea."

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive.  But the Dark Man's forces have followed them to Chicago and are beckoning Tea to return.  They claim that she will soon join them, as goblin blood is never passive once awaken.  And in the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or murder her family and friends.

Teagan knows she doesn't have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured or killed.  A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her.  But as long as she can hold on, she's still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting.  The disease that's destroying her - that's destroying them all - has a name:  Fear Doirich.

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

First Sentence:
Tears were spilling down Teagan Wylltson's cheeks as she went up the stairs.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Teagan is upset with what she learned of her mothers family (in Tyger Tyger) and what it might mean to her and Finn.  When Finn comes to talk to her and reassure her things get crazy quickly in the full house of the Wylltsons'.  Thomas starts sprouting feathers and cat-sidhe appear.  The cat-sidhe want Aiden.  As Fear Doirich wants Aiden.  Mamieo doesn't like Thomas because he's a highborn, Roisin (Teagan's Aunt) is mad at her love, her father is still trying to get his memories back and straight.  Oh and the social worker is coming around too.  All craziness and then the goblins come back into their lives with threats to Teagan and she starts to change after a lick from Kyle.  A war is on it's way...

We start exactly where Tyger Tyger left off, Teagan's crying on the roof and Finn climbing the drain pipe to talk to her.  Finn captures my heart once again at the get go here.  Finn has turned Teagan's plans around, though she still wants to follow them, they now have a boyfriend attached somewhere in there. 

We see all the same characters again in this book.  I do like the extra background Thomas, the shape-shifter, brings to the family of the goblin world Mag Mell.  It was his home and he is a highborn so he knows a great deal.  We can't forget about Lucy the spirit living in Aidens' hair.  Aiden gets to try a few new things with his special gift of song as well.  Nice to see, and I hope to see more of him in the future.  So many different characters and personalities in one house, it's funny from time to time.

Another wonderful YA book that I would hand over not needing the adults to read first.  But I would say do read it for the fun and wonderful writing it is.  This book went quickly for me as well.  I love the Celtic lore tangled into the story and I get a little feel of a fairy land as well.  That is one of the things that drew me into the first story as well.  I really enjoy this mix.  This book seems a little slower at first, but we need to get the setting set and the characters defined as everyone is growing and changing, which is wonderfully done with keeping us attracted to the book.  Then the action picks up and leaves you desiring the third book of the trilogy.

I strongly suggest giving the Goblin Wars Trilogy a try.  It's a wonderful read and you wont be disappointed.  If you enjoy fairy type books, this goblin based trilogy could very much be for you.


I read this book for an honest review for the author.

This book qualifies for YA Reading Challenge 2011 and Speculated Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling books.

Looking Forward To...(68)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

In The Forest of The Night

Goblin Wars #2

By:  Kersten Hamilton

Due Out:  November 22, 2011

I loved the first book in the Goblin Wars series.  It was wonderful!  Yes, it's a YA read, but one I think many of ages would enjoy as well.  And this is a given to read this one as well. :)  A Celtic basis to the story and one well written.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have rescued Tea's and Aiden's father and have made it out of Mag Mell alive, bringing a few new friends with them. But The Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Teagan soon realizes that she is not the target of the goblins. In fact, the goblins call her princess, and call her to come out and play. Something is happening to her, and she suspects it’s an infection she picked up in Mag Mell. An infected cat-sídhe becomes her test subject, and Teagan is determined to cure it of the sickness that seems to rot its flesh. If she can find a cure for the cat-sídhe, then maybe there is hope for her. 

Meanwhile, Kyle and Isabeau, Teagan’s goblin cousins, show up in her school, disguised as a substitute teacher and a foreign exchange student. They are sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive. Once awoken, it will burn away every other aspect of her being, leaving her pure and solely goblin. When the process is complete, she will belong to Fear Doirich, the Dark Man. It is just a matter of time. In the meantime, Kyle and Isabeau are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Teagan’s family and friends. 

Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn to be hunted to the death or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her, but as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. 

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

Looking Forward To...(66)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

The Faerie Ring

By:  Kiki Hamilton

Due Out:  September 27, 2011

So I've found I've been attracted to the fey lately.  Which I'm very good with as I've found I'm enjoying them. So I saw this one a few months back and just loved the sounds of it.

What do you think?

Goodreads Synopsis:

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. 

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

Cover Release

Okay, yes.  I'm behind on sharing this one with you all.  I saw that Melissa @ Books and Things had this on her Wish List (which it's on my Desired list as well), but I didn't know that the cover was reveled until then!  Oh, dingy me.  But, I had to share this one with you as I LOVED the first book and can not wait for this one to come out in October.

In the Forests of the Night

Book 2 of The Goblin Wars

Due out:  October 3, 2011

Oh do I LOVE this cover!  So much to see here and think on.  I have to say the colors are marvelous and I love the eyes!

And we have a synopsis too: 

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. 

Teagan knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. 

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

Have you read the first book, Tyger Tyger?  Yes, it's a young adult read. But it really is a wonderful one.  I'm working on getting my son to read this one next. 

Book Trailer...

Tyger Tyger Book Trailer:

I read this book as an ARC and loved it.  Kersten Hamilton now has a trailer up for the book.  I hope you get the chance to read it as well.  Yes, it's a YA read.  But don't let that stop you.  Its a fun YA Fantasy read.  If you would like to read my review, IT'S HERE.

But, here's the book trailer for you to watch now...

Review: Tyger Tyger

Tyger Tyger

By:  Kersten Hamilton

Publisher:  Clarion Books

Publish Date:  November 15, 2010

Format:  ARC pdf reader Thanks to NetGalley, 322pgs

Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

Series:  Book 1  in The Goblin Wars

Recommendation:  Yes. Yes! If you enjoy Young Adult Fantasy reads, this is an enjoyable one based with Celtic mythology and yes, goblin-kind and great characters too.

Book Synopsis:
"Your life is totally in danger!"
 
Teagan Wylltson thinks her best friend, Abby is joking.  But Abby swears that she's psychic.  And she's dreamed that horrifying creatures - goblins, shape-shifters, shadows, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty - are hunting her friend. 
 
Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried.  Her life isn't in danger.  In fact, it's perfect.  She's on track for a college scholarship.  She has a great job.  She's focused on school, work and her future.  No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
 
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives.
 
Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself.  He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile.  And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too... and about being the Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind.
 
Finn has survived alone on the streets since he was twelve, so he knows a thing or two about fighting.  Which is a very good thing because this time, Abby's right.
 
The goblins are coming.
 
First Sentence:
Please, Teagan Wylltson's fingers curled in American Sign Language as she spoke.

My Review and Summary:
Teagan is a sixteen year old girl who lives with her parents, Aileen - an author and artist of children's fantasy books and John - works at the library and a way with words, and younger brother Aiden who has a knack for music and a huge music fanatic.  The family home sounds like a relaxed and fun home to grow up in.  Teagan does great in school, has a job at the zoo working with the animals, and a bright future ahead of her - all planned out.  Teagan has a way with animals.  Then one day Teagan's mother informs them all that their cousin, Finn - whose parents passed away in a car accident a few years back, is coming to live with them.  Teagan learns that he is not a blood related cousin, as her mother was was taken in by Mamieo, an loving Irish Traveler coming to America.

I enjoyed the story of Teagan, Aiden, and Finn.  The adventures they travel through are fun and interesting.  The fantasy world Teagan and Aiden are introduced to with Finn is bright and dark.  I was surprised in the turn of events in the story line, which pleased me greatly.

Please don't let this being a young adult read stop you from enjoying it.  It will be an easy and quick read but it is so enjoyable with the goblins and sidhe creatures you meet along the way.  Then the interaction of the characters is wonderful. The writing of the characters made it easy for me to enjoy and like them. The characters learn some things about themselves through the book, some good and some not so good. But that is what gives the room for growth in the characters.


I loved how the story connected with the characters.  This is hard to explain, but the things you learn about the characters in the beginning of the story really are in relation to something in the world or worlds and it is great to watch as it all unfolds and comes together along with making the connections to the characters.  I enjoyed the secondary characters meet along the way.  Each has it's own story yet links all together nicely.  And they where all of a different... being.

I seem to have a thing for the Celtic feel in books.  I love the Irish mythology and feel to this read.  There is a lot here to work with to come up with future books.

This is a great fantasy read for young readers as well.  They would enjoy starting in a world they can relate to, just like ours, then moving into a fantasy realm as well.  This book has a wonderful mix of adventure, action, and just a touch of love to keep the kids going on in the pages.  This book would be a wonderful read for both boys and girls alike.

This is a book I have to get in hard copy form for on my shelves.  I want to share it with my son and other friend when they come to visit to get them to go get their own copies.  To me this book is worth keeping around, I would love to visit this world again and again.




I requested a copy of this book through NetGalley as an ARC.


This book qualifies for my Young Adult Reading Challenge hosted by Home Girls Book Blog, and Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.