Waiting on Wensday 10/30/13 The Shadowhunters' Codex

The Shadowhunters' Codex by Cassandra Claire

The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry. 

Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit. 

Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards. 

The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar. 

This edition of the Codex will be available in Institute libraries and what mundanes sometimes call “book stores” in [OCTOBER], 2013

OMG!!!!! The Codex is coming out soon!!!!!! It comes out on the 29th!!! I am so excited to see the runes and read what makes a shadowhunter a shadowhunter. Not as good as Jace (besides who could as good as Jace?), but not bad like Sebastian or Valentine. Those of you who haven't read or haven't heard of TMI, the series are The Mortal Instruments (TMI) and Clockwork Angel (CA, came up with all by myself!) by Cassandra Claire. The Mortal Instruments is about a girl named Clary Fray who stumbles into a never before seen world and when I saw never before seen, I mean it. Humans or mundanes as Shadowhunters call them, are just ordinary people just like you and me. Then, she meets Jace, an arrogant, good looking guy who she had an unfortunate run in with when she and her best friend Simon were at a club and she saw this guy (Jace) kill a guy or was it? She is then forced into his world when her mom is kidnapped. Now she has to rely on Jace for help. Everything expands from there. Clockwork Angel is set back in time, but is the back story of how all of TMI became what it is today. It is such a recommened series and I dare you to try it. It's a guranteded must read and an all time favorite.!!!!!  

Teaser Tuesday 10/29/13 A Blaze of Sun by Bella Forrest

Teaser Tuesday: A Blaze of Sun by Bella Forrest

Welcome back to The Shade... 

"Of course you know who I am. I'm a daughter of the darkness just as surely as you are his son..." 

Ever since his brief encounter with Emilia at The Shade, Derek's thoughts and dreams have been haunted with images of the mysterious, beautiful brunette. Plagued with guilt, he struggles to understand why he is so drawn to this dark stranger from his past. 

When Emilia suddenly appears again on the island, Derek is both terrified and intrigued. But this time, he is determined to involve Sofia and discover who this woman is. 

If only Derek and Sofia knew, Emilia is a mystery that should be left undiscovered…

“We can’t just risk some innocent, Sofia. Not after the lives that have already been lost. You know what the prophecy says. It’s me who will lead my kind to true sanctuary. That’s what I have to do now. Lead.” 

A long moment of silence followed. “Fine,” Sofia finally said, slowly nodding, with tears brimming her eyes. “I do have one condition, Derek.” 

“What’s that?” 

“I want to marry you first.” 

That took me by surprise. “Why?” I never would’ve imagined that she would give me the response that she did. 

“I loved you as a vampire. I want to marry you while you’re still one.”

Forrest, Bella (2013-10-25). A Shade Of Vampire 5: A Blaze Of Sun (Kindle Locations 3720-3727).  . Kindle Edition. 

If you have read the whole series, you understand how huge this is to the whole plot and to Sofia and Derek. She wants to get MARRIED!! She gets Derek all to herself. I wish I could have my own Derek!! That would be an amazing birthday present!!! JK!!!!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

There are no words that could possibly describe what I am feeling right now.  I am sad, happy, and everything in between. I love this book. Defiantly a tear-jerker. There are few books that can make me cry, but this book certainly did. I usually read paranormal romance, YA, or dystopian books, but my book club said this would be our first book and that it would be fantastic. They were totally right. It had such realism. It is totally a recommended book. In the beginning I thought it would be a bad book, but I was wrong. 

This is about a 16-year old girl called Hazel who was diagnosed with Stage IV Thyroid cancer three years ago and how she has bee dealing. Then she goes a Cancer Kid Support Group and meets Augustus Waters. He is different and weird all together. But overall, he was different. They disagreed and argued, but they were friends and nothing could come between them until a certain set of events turned their friendship into something else. You have to read the books to find out what's next!!!!! And I'm am positive that you will love it!! Absolutely a 5 star book!

WoW 10/23/13 Erased by Jennifer Rush (Altered #2)

Erased by Jennifer Rush (Altered #2)

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.

Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?

Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned

There is one big stand out that makes me want to wait to for this book, besides it's the sequel to a great mystery book. It's the guy!! He is shirtless and cute!!! How could you not want to read this series after seeing this cover. It just makes you want to swoon, unless you have a boyfriend. Then I suggest you swoon when he is not around you! LOL. Let's just face it, he is hot!!! The only bummer is that the release date is January 7th, 2014. So far away. *sigh* Oh well, all I can hope for is that you guys read and love the first book so we can wait in suspense for the sequel. 

Teaser Tuesday 10/22 & Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Review and Teaser!!!!

I will not reveal anything until November when the Divergent fans have had a chance to read (and be angry) Allegiant. The ending is way off base to what I thought and would have wanted to happen. It and the whole series deserve the upmost praise for the world that has captured this nations attention. Definitely a 5 star read!!! Now for the teaser:

He bends over to untie his shoes. "So, have you been ostracized from your little crowd of devotees?"

  "No," I say automatically. Then I add, Maybe. But they aren't my devotees."

  "Please. They are like the Cult of Four."

I can't help but laugh. "Jealous? Wish you had a Cult of Psychopaths to call your very own?"

One of his eyes twitched up. "If I was a psychopath, I would have killed you in your sleep by now."

  "And added my eyeballs to your eyeball collection, no doubt."

Peter laughs too, and I realize that I am exchanging jokes and conversation with the initiate who stabbed Edward in the eye and tried to kill my girlfriend—if she's still that. But then, he's also the Dauntless who helped us end the attack simulation and saved Tris from a horrible death. I am not sure which actions should weigh more heavenly in my mind. Maybe I should forget them all, let him begin again.

Allegiant nook edition

Waiting on Wednesday 10/16/13

This week's WoW is Angel Fever (Angel #3) by LA. Weatherly

As half-angel Willow strives to save the world from her parasitic otherworldly kin, romance and tension heat up to a climactic finale.

In the devastated remains of the world, millions of people live in "refugee" camps provided by the angels who have all but enslaved humanity. As this angelic stranglehold tightens, Willow and Alex are recruiting and training new Angel Killers while struggling to hold ground on the celestial battlefield. But Willow continues to have feelings for Seb, and her love and resolve are tested as a shattering revelation sends Alex on a separate journey. Now that the final battle versus the angels is about to begin-and the fate of the world hangs in the balance-each of them must face the consequences of their own choices. Will love endure? Will the human race survive?

If you have read the first two books, Angel Burn and Angel Fire, then you know how awesome these books are! Angels vs. Humans. I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends!!! Who will win? Will love tower over evil? Who will Willow choose? Everything ends with this book.

Teaser Tuesday 10/15/13

This week's teaser is from Half-Blood (Covenant Series #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.






Teaser!!!!!!



“I know that there are some pure-bloods who break the rule, but they do it because they don’t care about what happens to the other person, and I care about what happens to you.” His eyes searched mine intently. “I care about you more than I should and that’s why I’m not going to put you in that situation and jeopardize your future.”


“That doesn’t matter. These rules have been in place since the time the gods walked among mortals. Not even Lucian or Marcus would be able to stop what would happen. You’d be given the elixir and placed into servitude, Alex. And I couldn’t live with myself knowing what that would do to you. To see you lose everything that makes you who you are? I couldn’t bear that. I couldn’t live seeing you like the rest of the servants. You have too much life for that, too much life to lose for me.”

Armentrout, Jennifer L. (2011-09-19). Half-Blood (Covenant) (pp. 250-251). Spencer Hill Press.

In the After by Demitrial Lunetta

In The After by Demitrial Lunetta

They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

I give this book 3 stars. I thought there would be a different plot because this book was kind of confusing. There were differently so twisted twists. So many lies, so much betrayal. Such an interesting take on the Apocalypse. They eat humans, focusing on noise instead of sight and smell. It's part action and part mystery. Who are They? What do They want? What is New Hope? Why does "Baby" have weird scars? Everything is revealed in In The After. Amy has learned to live with Them around and people trying to take their food and resources or trying to kill them. Amy is defiantly a girl who has been through some traumatic experiences and now has to look after a toddler. She has had a rough life in the After. But there are more twist and turns in store for Amy and Baby. Especially in New Hope.

Luxen Army Giveaway

The Luxen Army is having a giveaway at http://luxenarmy.net/2013/10/luxen-armys-first-giveaway-it-doesnt-get-hotter-than-this/?fb_source=pubv1. The giveaway has the book Obsidian signed, a ring the color of Daemon eyes, and two bookmarks, Obsidian and Half-Blood. Personally, I love Katy. She is so funny, especially when she denies she feels something for Daemon. She tries anyway. Any girl would do the same thing if they were in her position. Jennifer L. Armentrout writes so well!! Just like she comes up with her ideas on the spot then adds details to make everything so much better!! Making someone like Daemon is hard because you have to have put in enough arrogance in him, but enough space for caring about others more then himself to make it sound like he wasn't jerk or maybe something a little more...rude. My favorite quote is this: 

"I want to spend every second, every minute, every hour with you." Part of me couldn't believe something that cheesy had come out of my mouth, but it was also so beautiful true. "I want a year's worth of seconds and minutes with you. I want a decade's worth of hours, so many that I can't add them up." 

Her chest rose sharply as she stared at me, eyes widening. 

I took one more step and then went down on one knee in front of her, in a towel. Probably shouldn't have put some pants on. "Do you want that?" I asked. 

Kat's eyes met mine, and  the answer was immediate. "Yes. I want that. You know I want that.

"Good." My lips curved up. "So let's get married."

Cover Reveal: Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins

It’s time. 

Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.

The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.

In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom.

I LOVE this cover!!!!! It just came out and it looks spectacular!!!!!! Absolutely fantastic. She looks so beautiful and he so handsome! I can't wait for this book to come out. It comes out April 24, 2014. That is too long!!!

Waiting on Wednesday 10/9/13

This weeks WoW is the Offering (The Pledge #3) by Kimberly Derting

Comes out January 7, 2014!!!!!

True love—and world war—is at stake in the conclusion to The Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy.

Charlie, otherwise known as Queen Charlaina of Ludania, has become comfortable as a leader and a ruler. She’s done admirable work to restore Ludania’s broken communications systems with other Queendoms, and she’s mastered the art of ignoring Sabara, the evil former queen whose Essence is alive within Charlie. Or so she thinks.

When the negotiation of a peace agreement with the Queendom of Astonia goes awry, Charlie receives a brutal message that threatens Ludania, and it seems her only option is to sacrifice herself in exchange for Ludanian freedom.

But things aren’t always as they seem. Charlie is walking into a trap—one set by Sabara, who is determined to reclaim the Queendoms at any cost

Collide (Collide #1)

Collide (Collide #1) by Shelly Crane

Sherry has always known there was something out there. She's eighteen, works for a tabloid newspaper in Chicago and has a brother, Danny who is a lazy mooch. They live a pretty normal dull life with hippie parents and a normal existence. Then the moon dissapears and people start to go missing only to reappear later, but different. Sherry has an abusive ex-boyfriend who shows up and claims to be one of these beings that have been showing up around the world. He's no longer the same person in that body. He tells her he has come to protect her and her brother and takes her underground, against her will to save her, where they meet others like them. She begins to unravel the truth about Merrick, about what he's really doing here, about the way he looks at her, about the crazy dangerous world they live in. Can he convince her that he's here to help? Will she like what she finds when she opens up to the truth? Will he be the one to love her when everyone else has failed her? Will he be able to protect her?

Can love really transcend time and space? In this book, it can!! Completely enchanting tale of a regular girl, her "gifted" brother, and her brother's protecter. Falling in love isn't easy for Shelly. Especially, after the moon disappeared and The Immortals came and hurt people. But she did with her brother's protector.  Dangers lie ahead but they will face them together and with the others in their group of "gifted" and Keepers. I was completely captivated by this novel. I love Shelly Crane's novels and this is one of her best.  Such a great love story about two different people form two different places falling in love. Just like Romeo and Juliet, but without all the dying. Totally recommended!!! Five star worthy!!!!! I can't wait for the second book, Uprising.

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy #1)

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy #1) by Leigh Fallon

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Amazing!! I couldn't put it down!! Once you start it, you can't stop. It's a little slow in the beginning, but then BAM!! There is action, romance, and elements. I am not talking about elements of love or anything like that. I am talking about the actually elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. I didn't understand why Adam and Megan were so attracted to each other, but now I understand. They are fated. Both try to deny it, but we all know that it never works in other books and it certainly doesn't in this one. Who knew that the elements could be so romantic and sexy, but dangerous and deadly? I didn't know until this book and I can't wait for the second book, Shadow of the Mark. Totally consuming and definitely recommended!!

Teaser Tuesday 10/8/13

This weeks teaser is from A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forest.

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

 What is it with these people and shoving me up against hard surfaces?... Everything about Derek Novak was overwhelming my senses. The feel of his tense body pressed against mine, the chill of his breath against my skin, the sound of his uneven breathing, the light scent of his musk mixing with the myrrh they’d applied to my neck back at the spa.

Forrest, Bella (2012-12-14). A Shade Of Vampire (p. 37 & p. 35).  . Kindle Edition. 

Don't Kill Dinner by Jennifer Martinez (The Rules #1)

    Don't Kill Dinner by Jennifer Martinez (The Rules #1)

“I love you Kenna and I will never lose you. I promise.”

There are three rules when it comes to being a vampire in New Orleans. 
1) Don’t kill dinner. 
2) Don’t feed from people you know. 
3) Don’t tell anyone. 

Not too hard, right? Wrong. Kenna is a new vampire filled with a passion that has turned into an uncontrollable lust for blood.
Will Arthur be able to stop her feeding spree before the coven comes after her or is Kenna beyond saving?

Arthur has been watching Kenna for years, wanting her to try her own hand in life before he gave her the ultimate proposal. Now that she has accepted, will his love be enough to save her?

Let's get one thing straight. This IS about vampires. There are no sparkles and there is a twisted romance. There is mention of other paranormal creatures, but this is solely focused on vampires, especially a girl named Kenna. She was a girl was not really happy with her life until a guy named Arthur came into the diner she worked at and asked her if she was happy. Then everything changed. She had everything she could have ever wanted until she goes a little nuts about protecting humans by doing the unspeakable. I believe Kenna had the good of humans on her mind at first, then it really became about satisfying her thirst and keeping it a secret. Kenna has some problems about being left out because that is what happened when she was a human. She hates that. Arthur genuinely cares for Kenna. He has kept her safe from a distance and now he had a chance to get to know her? He is going to take it. Overall, this was an amazing book who had taken a different road then all the other YA vampire books. It has diversity from Twilight or any other book. Definitely a recommended read. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Teaser Tuesday 10/1/13

This week's teaser is from Catching Liam by Gennifer Albin (Good Girls Don't #1)

Twenty-one year-old Jillian Nichols only has one rule when it comes to boys: catch and release. Boy-catching isn't just a game for Jillian and her friends, it's a lifestyle. After all, boys might be good for a dance or a drink and certainly a little under-cover action of the scandalous variety, but expect much else and you're bound for heart ache.

So when her best friends and fellow boy catchers start dropping like flies junior year, Jillian is determined to keep boys in her bedroom and out of her heart. Until she meets Liam McAvoy, the kind of guy that sticks around to make waffles and who can't—or perhaps won't—take a hint. 

Study abroad student Liam doesn't want to be another notch on Jillian's bedpost. Actually he has much more interesting ideas for Jillian and her bedposts, but his student visa's set expiration date means he can't promise her forever. That doesn't mean he's going to walk away from the challenge of discovering why Jillian is hell-bent at keeping people at a distance. 

Before long, neither is sure who is catching who—or if they're playing for keeps. Jillian knows one thing though: falling in love will not only break the only rule of boy-catching, it could also break her heart.

“You love your family, and you have a lot of respect for women.” “You got all that from spaghetti ?” he asked, bumping his elbow into my side. “You cook and you help do dishes. I’m not sure my Dad knows how to turn on the dishwasher,” I said. “Perhaps I’m trying to lure an unsuspecting woman to my bed by pretending I like to do dishes,” he suggested.

  (p. 93). Kindle Edition.