Can't wait to READ 2012

We've had A LOT of time to put together our list for 2012 and get some last minute reading for 2011 done. We'll post a few more book reviews later, but for now, let's get to thinking about next year. So here it is, our list (at least through June) of "Can't wait to READ" 2012. We have sifted through titles that are currently on the soon to be published roster and we are happy to report that you will see more from our favorite authors, series and Sci-Fi "punk" genres.

January-
1. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles bk.1) by Marissa Meyer
2. A Million Suns (Across the Universe bk. 2) by Beth Revis
3. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

February-
1. Bewitching (Kendra Chronicles) by Alex Flinn
2. Fever (Chemical Garden bk. 2) by Lauren DeStefano

March-
1. Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles bk. 2) by Melina Marchetta
2. Seeds of the Rebellion (The Beyonders bk. 2) by Brandon Mull

April-
1. Thou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John
2. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

May-
1. Insurgent (Divergent bk. 2) by Veronica Roth
2. Bitterblue (Graceling bk. 3) by Kristen Cashore
3. City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments bk. 3) by Cassandra Clare

June-
1. The Wild Queen by Carolyn Meyer

Keep in mind that publishing dates change. Also, we realize that just about all of the titles listed here fall into the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre, but why fight the popular stuff to go for the totally obscure? And finally, forgive us for overlooking your favorite author, series, etc. You know we'll be sure to put all of the good stuff on the shelves.

Shatter Me- Dec. 11th

Grade: A-

A super sexy...X-men? Seriously, we think that is a pretty accurate description of Shatter Me. The first in a trilogy that opens with a really cool dystopian setting and ends (at least the first book does) with a group of possible super heroes joining together.

Juliette has been locked away by the Reestablishment (a group that is taking control after the environment has been ruined). Sitting in a small windowless cell for 264 days she writes and doesn't write about how she cannot be touched and must not touch anyone. Apparently, she has the power to inflict pain while sucking the life force out of someone with a single touch. The Reestablishment is very interested in using Juliette as their secret weapon against the rebels and tries to make a connection with her by introducing a cellmate, Adam. His job is to ascertain just how deadly she is, but he is mysteriously immune to her touch. She is soon released into the care of an evil captain, Warner, who may or may not also be immune to her power. Adam eventually reveals a game-changing secret to Juliette and the two of them escape Warner's clutches only to be tracked down by the rebel group who is also aware of Juliette's capabilities.

Lots of double agents, lots of secrets to be revealed, and LOTS of making-out! For some, the unique writing style that dominates the first third of the book may be a turn-off (for others it may be the serious smooching that takes a good third of the story). We wanted to give this one a full 'A' grade, but it really felt like the conclusion to this first book, didn't quite match the intriguing start. And don't even get us started on the cover art- it just doesn't match the story at all! Aside from all of that, we plan on picking up the next book and can't wait to hear what you think of this first one.

Legend- Dec. 6th

Grade: A

The early buzz surrounding Legend made us a bit skeptical. Anytime you begin comparing the latest dystopian YA novel to the great Hunger Games trilogy, you had better have some serious characters and plot to back it up. Luckily, Legend does not disappoint.

It's the year 2130 and the United States of America no longer exists. Instead, citizens belong to The Republic, a nation perpetually at war with the Colonies and Patriots. Day, is the Republic's most wanted criminal. June, is the Republic's most prized student. When Day is accused of murdering June's older bother, the Republic recruits June to go deep undercover to root out Day's true identity and bring him to justice. But after making contact with Day, June soon realizes that he cannot possibly be as sinister as she has been lead to believe. Her suspicions are confirmed once she stumbles upon a cryptic blog left behind by her brother, telling her to beware the Republic. It soon becomes a race to discover her brother's true killer, rescue Day from the wrath of the Republic, and uncover the truth behind the plague that continues to ravage the cities.

We found subtle hints of 1984, Romeo & Juliet, and Les Miserables- all blending nicely together in this one. In fact, the author admits to having been inspired to write Legend after wondering what a modern day version of Les Miserables would look like. We are intrigued and a bit bummed since we know that we have a long wait until the second book comes out. This is definitely one to read if you are a fan of all the dystopian novels. Not quite as much action as The Hunger Games, but the romance and politics are there and who knows, book two could be a real show stopper.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- Dec. 1st

Grade: B-

It's part murder mystery, part para-normal romance, part contemporary teen drama... we had a hard time trying to decide how to describe this one.

Mara is relocating with her family after a horrifying accident that kills three of her friends and leaves her struggling to remember exactly what happened. As she begins trying to settle in to her new school, Mara's memory slowly reveals the events of the fateful night- but are these memories accurate or stress induced? Does she really possess powers that can harm others or is she being stalked by a vengeful ghost? With the help of the school bad-boy, Noah, she tries to get to the bottom of the mystery before others are hurt or killed. Noah too, has secrets to be revealed and it seems that the two have been drawn together possibly to balance each others supposed powers. In the midst of their drama, a serial killer may be on the loose and at one point, kidnaps Mara's younger brother. As the secrets begin to multiply, and glimpses into the past become clearer, the story comes to a sudden halt in preparation for the second book.

Although we didn't exactly love this beginning book by first time author, Michelle Hodkin, we think that most readers will not mind the somewhat convoluted plot lines. Those who enjoyed Fallen, Beautiful Creatures, or Hush, Hush will probably find this one well worth their time.