Review: A Spy in the House (The Agency, #1) by Y.S. Lee

Publisher: Candlewick

Released: March 9, 2010

Hardcover: 352 pages



My Rating: 4 / 5

My Thoughts:
Mary is caught stealing & sentenced to death...but someone notices that Mary just might have more to offer. She is rescued and given the opportunity to receive an education - only to discover that the school is really a cover for a spy operation. Mary's first mission is to act as a companion for a rich merchant's daughter in order to discover what is causing his ships to sink.

Set in 1850's, this story surprisingly had a much more modern feel to it. What I loved so much about A Spy in the House was Y.S. Lee's ability to take her Victorian background and make something brand new. This isn't a historical novel, but given her PhD in Victorian literature and culture, historical details are found throughout (i.e. the Great Stink, child labour, class structures etc).

I absolutely loved the main character Mary! She was feisty & so not what I expected for a woman in the Victorian era. Add in James, their banter, the tension between the too plus the twists & turns as Mary discovers the cause of ship wrecks and you have the perfect ingredients for a fun historical mystery.

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Today at Book Lovers Inc you will find an interview with the amazing Y.S. Lee so go check it out here!

"Waiting on" Wednesday - April 7, 2010

This weekly event is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I can't wait to read Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 2) by Michelle Zink. I loved the first book and am so excited to see what happens next!

Release Date: August 1, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

What are you waiting on?

Review: Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Publisher: Harperteen

Released: Mar 1 2010

Hardcover: 352 pages



My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

The 3rd book of the Evernight series picks up with Bianca & Lucas now hiding out with the Black Cross. Hoping this is only temporary until they can make it on their own, they are struggling to keep the truth (that she is a vampire) from these Vampire hunters. Thanks to a tip, Mrs. Bethany and a crew of vamps locate the Black Cross and attack for revenge, forcing Bianca & Lucas to run for their lives. When Bianca starts feeling a little strange, Lucas puts his pride aside & asks Balthazar for help.

Ok, bad news is that we are left with a cliffhanger, good news is there is a book #4 AFTERLIFE and she's working on Balthazar's book! Claudia has a great knack for sucking the reader into her world, I've gotten totally immersed in this series. The action began on page one and kept going. The twists & turns, the love story - this book has it all. If you ever questioned who was right for Bianca, Balthazar/Lucas this may put you at ease, as their love for each other is tested time and time again. Let's just say the ending was shocking. Once I finished the book, I wanted more. I feel like a junkie looking for their next fix :S

1st Rate Fridays #5

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!

Well not much fun happened for me this week - we all got struck with the flu :( I just woke up after sleeping 14 hours, yikes!!

I didn't make it into my google reader too often but found a funny post thanks to a tweet by Cindy. Thanks Lenore for all the chuckles...How to win followers and influence fellow book bloggers.

What gems did you find?

Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

• Publisher: Harperteen
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• Released: Mar 16 2010
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• Hardcover: 336 pages
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• ISBN-13: 978-0061779817

My Rating: 4.5/5

My Thoughts:

It first happened when Violet was a young girl & out for a walk with her father in the forest, she found the body of a young girl. As years went by, she noticed that she could hear echos of dead things and that the killers are also left with an 'imprint'. When a serial killer begins terrorizing her small town, Violet knows she must use her ability to catch him.

A majority of the story revolves around the love story of Violet and her best friend, Jay. Violet & Jay's relationship is just too cute. They have been best friends forever but teenage hormones have kicked in and feelings have developed into something more then friends. Jay is the kind of guy a girl dreams of: sweet, sexy, always there for you etc. But funny thing, I must say as much as I loved Jay, I found him to be too nice & therefore not so realistic, he needed some more edge to him. I thought the angst and shy/awkwardness of being together was brilliantly done, you can't help but blush & feel so happy for them as their relationship progesses. Another huge bonus for me was Violet having the support of not only Jay, but also her family. In so many YA books, the parents seem to be out of the picture! Throughout the story, we are given a glimpse into what the killer is doing. This was a such a great addition as it take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, the contrast of Violet & Jay's love & the fear instilled by the killer. This was an incredible debut by Kim which had me on the edge of my seat, and feeling all warm and fuzzy at the same time. I can't wait to see whats in store in the sequel, Desires of the Dead.