Sunday, January 02, 2011

IMM 18

Hello! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren, which highlights books that has been recieved the previous week. I'm sure there will be lots of great books on everyone's lists this week, first IMM in the New Year! Here are mine.

As always, books seen on my list are either bought new, in charity shops, have been sent via publishers or authors, borrowed from friends, gifted to me (Christmas, YAY!), or swapped using a book-swapping website. Happy reading everyone!


Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan - Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Cate Tiernan, author of the popular Sweep series, returns with an engaging story of a timeless struggle and inescapable romance, the first book in a stunning new fantasy trilogy.

I now have a duplicate of this book! It was amazing (read my review here if you like). I'm considering the possibility of a giveaway for this one. Anyone interested?

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My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares - Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together, and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, My Name is Memory proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant to be.

What a gorgeous cover for this one! I'm a little wary of starting another book about immortals so soon after Immortal Beloved, but I'm sure I won't be able to resist this one for long.

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The Book of Dead Days by Marcus Sedgwick - THE DAYS BETWEEN Christmas and New Year’s Eve are dead days, when spirits roam and magic shifts restlessly just beneath the surface of our lives. A magician called Valerian must save his own life within those few days or pay the price for the pact he made with evil so many years ago. But alchemy and sorcery are no match against the demonic power pursuing him. Helping him is his servant, Boy, a child with no name and no past. The quick-witted orphan girl, Willow, is with them as they dig in death fields at midnight, and as they are swept into the sprawling blackness of a subterranean city on a journey from which there is no escape.


Marcus Sedgwick is an author that I would like to read more of. Despite having a growing collection of his books already, I've only ever read his White Crow, which I found to be quite fascinating.

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The Dark Flight Down by Marcus Sedgwick - Held captive in the palace of the Emperor Frederick, Boy and Willow are plunged into a world of gilded finery and splendour. But beneath its golden veneer lies cruelty, madness and desperation. They are in terrible danger as they confront the whirlwind furies of the Emperor, the calculating ambitions of his confidante, Maxim, and follow a deadly trail wihch will lead them to the Phantom. Packed with mystery and intrigue, the truth about Boy's identitiy and many other shattering secrets, are all revealed as the BOOK OF DEAD DAYS is opened for the final time in Marcus Sedgwick's conclusion to a mesmerising story.


This is the sequel to The Book of Dead Days. Incidentally, I couldn't find the nice paperback cover art for these two books. But again, I think I need to read more of Marcus Sedgwick's books.

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Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

This is the sequel to Hush, Hush. I can't say that I was thrilled with Hush, Hush particularly, but I'm still willing to give this one a shot. Please, please let it be better.

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Boy Toy by Barry Lyga - A riveting and disturbing novel about a seventh-grade boy who has a very adult relationship with his female teacher. Josh Mendel has a secret. Unfortunately, everyone knows what it is. Five years ago, Josh's life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town-seems like the world-thinks they understand. But they don't-they can't. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there's Rachel, the girl he thought he'd lost years ago. She's back, and she's determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not. Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there's Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh's past. It's time for Josh to face the truth about what happened. If only he know what the truth was...

Yay. I've been meaning to read a book by Barry Lyga for awhile, and this one sounds interested in complicated. A student-teacher affair? How is that one going to work? I can't wait to read it.

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Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott - Get this, I'm supposed to be starting a journal about "my journey." Please. I can see it now: Dear Diary, As I'm set adrift on this crazy sea called "life" . . . I don't think so.

It's been seventy-five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her.

And she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone now, and she doesn't want to talk about it. They wouldn't get it, anyway. They wouldn't understand what it feels like to have your best friend ripped away from you.

They wouldn't understand what it feels like to know it's your fault.

Amy's shrink thinks it would help to start a diary. Instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia.

But as she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past wasn't as perfect as she thought it was—and the present deserves a chance too.

I really think that Elizabeth Scott is my current favourite author. I love the diversity of her books. From her romantic fiction to her really gritty stuff. This one sounds like it'll be sad. Anyone read it? Should I hold off for a time where I really need a good cry?

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Crash Into Me by Albert Borris - Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae have one thing in common: they all want to die. When they meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens make a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides...and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living--or if there's no turning back.


I'm hoping to read this one for the event being held next year (ACK! Later THIS year) Death and Bereavement in Teen Lit hosted by Jo of Once Upon a Bookcase. I think this one would work perfectly but it's also been on my wishlist for absolutely ages. It's not going to be happy, light reading. But I think I've established this year that I really quite like more issue-based fiction. Seems to be what I gravitate towards lately.

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The Everlost by Neal Shusterman - Nick and Allie don't survive the car accident...but their souls don't exactly get where they're supposed to get either. Instead, they're caught halfway between life and death, in a sort of limbo known as Everlost: a shadow of the living world, filled with all the things and places that no longer exist. It's a magical yet dangerous place where bands of lost children run wild and anyone who stands in the same place too long sinks to the center of the Earth.

When they find Mary, the self-proclaimed queen of lost kids, Nick feels like he's found a home. But Allie isn't satisfied spending eternity between worlds. Against all warnings, Allie begins learning the "Criminal Art" of haunting and ventures into dangerous territory, where a monster called the McGill threatens all the souls of Everlost.

In this imaginative novel, Neal Shusterman explores questions of life, death, and what just might lie in between.

I've been a little curious to read more of Neal Shusterman's novels after finishing Unwind awhile back. While I didn't love it like most people did, I was still intrigued enough to want to read something else of his. Besides, something about the cover art of this one really grabbed me. A possibility that you'll see this one in the Death/Bereavement event as well!

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The Treasure Map of Boys by E Lockhart - Ruby is back at Tate Prep, and it’s her thirty-seventh week in the state of Noboyfriend. Her panic attacks are bad, her love life is even worse, and what’s more: Noel is writing her notes, Jackson is giving her frogs, Gideon is helping her cook, and Finn is making her brownies. Rumors are flying, and Ruby’s already-sucky reputation is heading downhill.

Not only that, she’s also: running a bake sale, learning the secrets of heavymetal therapy, encountering some seriously smelly feet, defending the rights of pygmy goats, and body-guarding Noel from unwanted advances.

In this companion novel to The Boyfriend List and The Boy Book, Ruby struggles to secure some sort of mental health, to understand what constitutes a real friendship, and to find true love—if such a thing exists.


And finally, the third Roo Oliver book. I ADORE both Roo Oliver and E. Lockhart. I've been finding it really difficult lately to not just tear into this one first and read more of Roo's story. She's so funny and endearing. Love, love, love.

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Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Ooh. I didn't expect the cover of this one to be prettier in person, but it is. I try to keep my paranormals to a minimum so I don't burn out on them, but I couldn't resist this one. It sounds like it'll be really good!

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And that's it for me! Let me know if you've read any of these books and which books came into your house recently :)

18 comments:

  1. an awesome selection today!! Nightshade is brilliant.

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  2. I'd totally be interested in Immortal Beloved! Great haul of books, I almost bought Love You, Hate You, Miss You so I'll be interested to see what you think. And I hadn't heard of Crash In To Me, but it sounds very intense and I'm adding it to my wishlist! Happy reading!

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  3. Terrific books :D
    I have had that Elizabeth Scott and Albert Borris ones on my wishlist for what seems like forever :D
    Did you get a review copy of Nightshade as well then???

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  4. What a great set of books! The Sedgwicks are fantastic!

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  5. Ooh great books! I love the cover of My Name is Memory. I ordered a copy of The Treasure Map of Boys yesterday, hurrah!x

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  6. Wow, what amazing books! The cover for My Name is Memory is gorgeous. Hope you enjoy them :D

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  7. You have some seriously amazing books here. Nightshade is particularly good. Enjoy!

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  8. Fabulous books. I keep seeing Immortal Beloved around. I really must look out for that one.

    Nightshade is another reason why I really should stop pre-ordering books. My copy is still in the post somwhere and I could have picked a copy up from Waterstones days ago grr.

    Anyway, I loved your IMM and my wishlist has grown again :)) Happy New Year to you.

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  9. I'm dying to read Immortal Beloved!! Fantastic looking books there this week. I have been so good and not bought Nightshade yet even though it is extremely pretty

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  10. You got some pretty awesome books this week! The Elizabeth Scott looks really good..will have to check it out!

    I just started reading Nightshade and WOW. :D Enjoy! x

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  11. Gosh what a host of fabulous books you've received in your mailbox this week. I've heard awesome things about My Name is Memory, but I'd really love to hear what you think of it. So dying to read Nightshade - that cover is so gorgeous! Hope you enjoy every single one of your books this week. Happy reading!

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  12. What a great selection, so many of them sound like brilliant reads.

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  13. Ooooh...marcus sedgwick ;)
    Enjoy!

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  14. Great books! Nightsade is brilliant and I love that cover for My Name is Memory. I've had the hardback sat on my TBR pile since last summer ... must bump it up the pile!

    Happy reading :)

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  15. I'm always suprised at how many people comment on my IMM posts! Phew.

    Kirsty - I'm really looking forward to Nightshade, everyone has really good things to say about it.

    Cem - Great, at least one person interested in a giveaway! I'm still mulling it over. And I think I've mentioned - I adore Elizabeth Scott! And Crash Into Me has been on my wishlist since forever, I hope it is really intense and emotional. I'm counting on it :)

    Emma - I think I already emailed you about this - my copy of Nightshade came from YOU! And yes, I remember our wishlists used to look very similar :)

    Darren - I'm really excited about the Sedgwicks. Though I'm wondering if I should wait until the next Dead Days to start? Or is that silly?

    CarlyB - I absolutely adore the cover of MNIM! Way better than the flower thing or whatever it was. This cover makes me more excited to read the book. And yes, hurrah for Roo Oliver.

    Bookgirl818 - That cover IS gorgeous, I love it. Thank you :)

    Sophie - I don't think I've heard a bad word about Nightshade as yet, will definitely have to put that at the top of my pile :)

    TSB - Immortal Beloved was really good! And oh no, that you haven't recieved your copy of Nightshade! I've seen them in the shops for at least a week now, what a shame. Happy New Year to you too :)

    Lyndsey - then perhaps I shall do a giveaway then! Nightshade IS extremely pretty. I knew it would be, but then I saw it in person and thought 'ooh, wow'

    Iffath - I'm really looking forward to the Elizabeth Scott book, she's my favourite author at the moment. And I'm really glad to hear you're enjoying Nightshade!

    Tammy - I definitely think MNIM and Nightshade will be the books I read first from this list, so hopefully you won't have too long to wait :)

    Jenni - They do sound great, don't they? Can't wait to get started.

    Mariel - I know, I just keep collecting Marcus Sedgwick books! Will have to actually read them now :)

    Onemorepage - Oh, really? :) And the paperback is being published here this month, I believe! How funny.

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  16. Well, that's when I read tbem, and it did add a nice touch to the experience.... But any dark and chilly night would work too! :)

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  17. Fantastic books this week :)

    Nightshade looks fantastic, I can't wait to see what you think of Crescendo - I wasn't a huge fan of Hush, Hush either!

    Happy Reading :D

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  18. Darren - Then that's when I'll read it! It still gets really dark pretty early so I'm sure I won't have any problem.

    Jesse - Thank you. I think it balances out from having NOTHING this week. A happy reading to you as well :)

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