Review >> Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1)

Unleashed by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie -- November 22, 2011 -- Hardcover, 382 pages, Delacorte Books (9780385740982)
THE EDITION REVIEWED HERE IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCED READER'S COPY

"'Things that love night Love not such nights as these...'"


Katelyn McBride's whole world is turned upside down one night after a horrifying accident leaves her mother dead and Katelyn homeless. Now, she must leave her home in California and her best friend Kimi to move in with her reclusive and socially odd grandfather, Mordecai, in the small and strange town of Wolf Springs, Arkansas, hidden away from big city life in the Ozark Mountains. Katelyn is having a hard enough time fitting in because she is the new girl, but now she is finding that the inhabitants of Wolf Springs are not just odd, they seem to be keeping secrets, and these secrets may change Katelyn's world, and the live's of Wolf Spring's inhabitants, forever.

Fan Trailers >> Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

To celebrate the upcoming release of the highly anticipated second novel, Insurgent by Veronica Roth, I would like to present you a fan trailer I found for the first book in the series, Divergent. Divergent follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a 16 year old girl living in a post-apocalyptic Chicago, who is about to make an important step in her society: choose which of the 5 factions she will devote the rest of her life to. Of course, the choice is not easy when Beatrice realizes she does not seem to fit into any one faction, and must decide whether to stay with her family, or leave forever. What secrets does will be revealed in a world gone awry? Check out this fan made trailer!

Cover Me Fashionable >> Enchanted

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Cover Me Fashionable is a weekly meme hosted by The Lost Lola, which features clothing finds by readers which match the outfits worn on the covers of their favorite books. This week's fashionable cover find is a gorgeous cocktail dress which is an almost perfect match to that seen on the cover of Enchanted by Alethea Konti, the most noticeable difference being the length. I would love to slip this dress on and head out to a cafe to read my copy of Enchanted, just to see if anyone notices the similarity. How do you think they compare?

Storied Romance Dress from ModCloth

Which fashionable cover finds have you discovered this week?

Novel Fashion >> Get the "Hannah Ward" Look

"We rehearse in old leotards, threadbare tights, and torn leg warmers. We rarely buy new dance clothes because we know that most ballet careers are short-lived." Bunheads 

The Bunheads Look

Review >> Bunheads

Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Bunheads by Sophie Flack -- October 10, 2011 -- Hardcover, 294 pages, Poppy (9780316126533)

"My name is Hannah Ward. Don't call me a ballerina."

19 year old Hannah Ward is having the time of her life living out her dreams of becoming a dancer in the prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company. She and her friends rehearse every single day, subject themselves to grueling after-class training, adhere to strict regimens, and devote their entire existence to their art. After a night out enjoying the city, where she meets the handsome and artistic Jacob, Hannah begins to question whether or not there is more to life than dancing, and finds herself wanting more and more to leave behind her pointe shoes for a life of freedom. But is she willing to sacrifice all the hard work she has put into becoming a ballerina?

Waiting on Wednesday >> In Honor

Waiting on Wednesday, April 25 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights the books you are most anticipating. This week's exciting soon-to-be-released read is In Honor by Jessi Kirby, due out May 8 from Simon & Schuster.

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

New Release Tuesday >> April 24, 2012

New Release Tuesday, April 24 2012

It's that time of the week again! Yes, my dears, it's NEW RELEASE TUESDAY, a book lover's favorite day of the week in which fresh new copies of literature are made available to us. There is a great selection of both fantasy and contemporary young adult fiction out this week, so it seems there is a bit of something for everyone to pick up. I am looking forward to picking up a copy of Masque of the Red Death, Spirit's Princess, and The Girl In the Park. Here are the new releases for this week.

Literary Events >> World Book Night 2012

Today was World Book Night, and I couldn't have been more excited! I had signed up to be a volunteer months ago, and I was really looking forward to participating in this event as a volunteer book giver. I picked up my 20 copies of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian last week, and was ready to head to the streets of southern California to give the gift of reading- free of charge. I don't normally enjoy giving critical feedback on things, however, I feel that like all experiences, there are the positives and the negatives. This story just happens to be the latter, and perhaps with the type of experience I had, the good people at World Book Night will be able to make a much more fulfilling event next year.

Fan Trailers >> Allison Hewitt Is Trapped

Allison Hewitt Is Trapped by Madeleine Roux

I've recently become mildly obsessed with book trailers, and I am constantly on the lookout for trailers for upcoming novels I am eagerly awaiting. Sometimes, however, no trailers are available, but thankfully we have awesome fans (and sometimes authors!) all over the world who take the time to make their own interpretations of books or movies to share with others. I stumbled upon this really well done fan trailer today for one of my favorite books, Allison Hewitt Is Trapped by Madeleine Roux. This book came out last year, but the author has a newer one with a similar premise which came out in January called Sadie Walker Is Stranded. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped follows the titular character as she struggles to survive in a zombie-infested world, and maintain her blog. The novel itself was humorous, but heartfelt at the same time and incredibly clever. Check out this fanmade trailer!

Fashionable Inspirations >> Snow White

Snow White and the Huntsman

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

Snow White and the Huntsman by Lily Blake

This year seems to be the year of the raven-haired, apple-eating beauty known as Snow White, and her equally infamous jealous stepmother, the evil queen. With the release of Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts in March, and the upcoming Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Twilight's own Bella, Kirsten Stewart, and Thor himself (out in theaters this June), it's no surprise that fashion designers are taking their cues from fairy tales to create their own whimsical creations for 2012.

Mirror Mirror

Miskatonic School for Girls... or School of Fear?

In my seemingly day to day encounters through the monster infested streets of Lovecraft's Arkham, I find myself wondering how I can make my horrific adventures a little more girly, a little more frilly, as everyone who knows me knows I have an insatiable love for cute, quirky, and overall feminine (and yes, I realize the huge debate surrounding gender-neutral marketing... but what can I say, I love pastels). I've recently stumbled upon the answer to my obsession of crossing the macabre with the macaron. Available in stores now, is the deck-building game, Miskatonic School for Girls, based on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos and geared towards... well, people who like their horror with a little fanciful friendship.

Miskatonic School for Girls

Waiting on Wednesday >> The Time-Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette

Waiting on Wednesday, April 18 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights the books you are most anticipating. This week, I'm featuring The Time-Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette, by Bianca Turetsky, due out in September from Poppy publishing.

World Book Night 2012 Pick Up

This year, I decided to participate in the fantastic non-profit event known as World Book Night. On April 23, 2012, thousands of book lovers will take to the streets to provide free books to non-readers in the hopes of spreading the love of the printed word. I just picked up my box today, and am extremely excited to provide free copies of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian on World Book Night! I would love to hear your experiences of this event when the time comes, and be on the lookout for book givers in your area next Monday.

Books provided courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal >> Changeless (The Parasol Protectorate Manga #2)

Changeless (The Parasol Protectorate Manga #2)

Check out the gorgeous cover for the upcoming second installment of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate manga series! I am absolutely smitten with the blue-ness of this ensemble, and the lovely fullness of that parasol. The capelet is a nice touch to the outfit as well, wouldn't you say? I am looking forward to picking up a copy of Changeless, due out sometime in December. What are your thoughts on the cover? Are you inspired to make your own Alexia steampunk outfit?

Get the "Cate Cahill" Look

"It's impossible to care about new dresses with so much to fret about. But that's my conundrum, isn't it?" ~Cate Cahill, Born Wicked

The Born Wicked Look

Review >> Born Wicked

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood -- February 7, 2012 -- Hardcover, 330 pages, Putnam (9780399257452)

"Our mother was a witch, too, but she hid it better."

Cate Cahill and her sisters, Tess and Maura, are different from the other girls in town. They're too educated, too well read, and keep to themselves most of the time. They're also hiding a very big secret: they're all witches, just like their deceased mother. However, being a witch in 19th century Chatham is dangerous business, especially when accusations of witchery have become unbearably rampant in recent years. The Brotherhood is starting to crack down on the women of the town, and targeting young girls who are a bit odd, or defiant, or who exhibit lustful behavior. The girls are then sent to a prison ship, or Harwood Asylum, but more often than not, the girl's are never heard from again. Now, Cate must do everything in her power to protect her sisters from exposing their powers to anyone other than themselves, lest they be punished for their wicked deeds. The situation is made even more complicated when a handsome suitor and Cate's childhood friend, Paul, shows up to ask for her hand in marriage, a role she would happily accept if it weren't for the fact that she'd have to leave her sisters in Chatham unprotected, and she is finding herself falling in love with the reclusive but kind gardener, Finn.

Upcoming Films, Les Adieux a la Reine

Farewell, My Queen

Happy Easter!

“By first believing in Santa Claus, then the Easter Bunny, then the Tooth Fairy, Rant Casey was recognizing that those myths are more than pretty stories and traditions to delight children. Or to modify behavior. Each of those three traditions asks a child to believe in the impossible in exchange for a reward." ~Chuck Palahniuk, Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey

Get the "Faye Robson" Look

The Harbinger Look

Taking our cues from Sara Wilson Etienne's novel, Harbinger, comes a look inspired by the cover photo. The designs for this image are derived from the Two of Swords tarot card, traditionally depicting a blindfolded individual holding two double edged blades, with the moon hovering in the background. In Harbinger, the two of swords tarot card has been altered to represent the Harbinger, who will decide the fate of humanity.

Although achieving this simple look should be a walk on the beach, I wouldn't recommend wearing the blindfold while trying to save the world. You can find fitted strapless black dresses in most clothing stores, as it's practically a staple in any girl's wardrobe, but why not try this Candlelit Dinner Date Dress , available from Modcloth for $57.99. The structured bodice on this dress is exquisite, with a sweet ribbon on the waist and a lace skirt overlay that screams "woman of mystery." Complete the look with these uniquely designed black pumps ($64.99), a pair of lacy red gloves  ($11.99), and a pair of crescent moon earrings ($11.99), all available from Modcloth.

Finish off your look with a silk ribbon mask for an authentic Harbinger feel, or a lacy mask for a more practical accesssory. You can make your own, or purchase one like this from Etsy.

I hope you've enjoyed my take on Harbinger's own little deviant, Faye Robson. How would you wear The Harbinger look? Show me your best Faye coordinates!

Review >> Harbinger

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne -- February 2, 2012 -- Hardcover, 309 pages, Putnam (9780399256684)

"'Nay, are there not moods which shall find no expression unless there be men who dare mix heaven, hell, purgatory, and faeryland together, or even to set the heads of beasts to the bodies of men, or to thrust the souls of men into the hearts of rocks?'"

Harbinger is the story of a young girl's struggle to supress the horrific images she sees when looking into other people's eyes, and her inability to cope with the reality of everyday life in a world nearly destroyed by humanity. Her parents decide to send her away to Holbrook Academy, a boarding school for misguided youths, under the guidance of the head caretaker, Dr. Murdoch. Feeling betrayed and abandoned, Faye must accept the help Holbrook Academy has to offer, or face the abuse of the sadistic groundskeepers called Takers. However, she soon learns that there is more to this mysterious institution than the cookie-cutter facade presented in the brochures sent to her family. Now, Faye and her "family" of misfits at Holbrook, including the elusive and brooding Kel, find themselves involved in an ancient ritual involving crude talismans, symbols drawn in red, hidden rooms, and a foreboding prophecy predicting the end of life on Earth.