The Debut Drool List - April 2012

Here are my picks for the Debut Drool List this month. So many drool worthy UK Débuts *swoon*

Title: Starters

Series: Starters #1

Author: Lissa Price

Publisher: Doubleday Childrens

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER 

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .

Title: When You Were Mine

Author: Rebecca Serle

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Publication Date: 26 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale. What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything. Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance. Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends…

I was very lucky to read this one - it is absolutely amazing. Wait til you see my review [ ; D ] 

Title: The Alchemy of Forever

Series: Incarnation #1

Author: Avery Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Publication Date: 26 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Seraphina has been alive since the 1300's, made immortal when the boy she was beginning to love back then, Cyrus, saved her from death with a strange liquid - a method of alchemy that lets them swap bodies with any human being. But now, in modern day America, Sera has decided that she can no longer bear the weight of stealing people's lives so she can keep living on. So she decides to run away from Cyrus and end her stolen existence once and for all. Her plan goes awry when she accidentally takes the body of a dying teenager and feels forced to take over her life. When the lines between Sera and Kailey's identity begin to blur, Sera finds a reason to desire to live once more. But she can't shake the guilt of having taken Kailey's life, even if she was dying. And what if Cyrus finds her?

Read my review HERE

Title: Immortal City

Series: Immortal City #1

Author: Scott Speer

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat … and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

Swoon Swoon Swoon - I want badly

Title: The Intern

Author: Dillon Khan

Publisher: Puffin

Publication Date: 5 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

When Jay Merchant lands an internship for the best job in music television, he is given a backstage pass to the biggest gig of his life. The velvet rope to the biggest VIP parties and hottest celebrities has been lifted and now he's got to capture it on camera. But with only six months to turn his intern dream into a real job, does he have what it takes? It's time to face the music...

Check out Dillon's Song of the Month HERE

Title: Crave

Series: The Clann #1

Author: Melissa Darnell

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication Date: 6 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

Check out the Tantalizing Trailer HERE

What are you drooling over this month?

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath

Series: Everneath #1

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Publication Date: 2 Feb 2012
Challenge: DAB
Rating: 5/5
Source: Netgalley

Synopsis from Goodreads

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

REVIEW

This is one of those books that makes you look at life in a new way with more appreciation. We all have bad times in our lives but what would you do to get rid of that pain and despair. To agree to go to the Everneath, a place between our world and Hell, is the equivalent of signing your own death warrant, suicide for wimps. This is just what Nikki agrees to do, be feed on for 100 years by an Everliving, Cole, in order for him to continue existing. 

Nikki should not have survived the feed, it drains all your emotions away leaving you an empty shell. The Everliving are what can be thought of a vampires of the soul, sucking away everything that makes a person individual leaving behind an empty husk. Yet, Nikki survives making her a valuable commodity to Cole. Nikki is given 6 months back on Earth to spend with her family, to deal with all the pain and misunderstandings that took her to the Everneath in the first place. The 100 years spent in the Everneath is equivalent to 6 months spent on Earth. After the 6 months back on Earth, Nikki has to make an enormous decision, going back to Everneath as a human battery enclosed in the walls of the Tunnels or as an Everliving by Cole's side, possibly as Queen.  

The emotions depicted were raw. The writing was so powerful I felt as if the words had actually escaped from the page to form a corporeal being which enveloped me in its embrace. Holding me tightly in its grip from start to finish. Reading it in one sitting with a lot of tears. 

The use of Greek Mythology within the narrative was a stroke of pure genius. I hadn't really heard of the Orpheus myth prior to reading this but I will certainly be looking into it more. It's use and parallels within the plot aided the world building. Everneath itself reminded me of the Dark Fairy courts portrayed in some books, ruled over by tyrannical queen whose thirst for power is only equal to her thirst for human emotions.

The characters were so well developed and their interactions completely believable. I found Nikki to be impetuous tending to over-react to situations rather than thinking them through before taking action. It is this trait that is to blame for her agreeing to the feed in the first place. I found myself wishing that she had more confidence in herself and believe in the people around her, especially Jack. The connection between Jack and Nikki felt like a tangible thread connecting the two of them together. The history of their relationship unfolds throughout the book adding layer upon layer of emotion; together their souls were whole. Such a beautiful concept. 

The story is revealed in dual time periods, before and after the feed, enabling complete insight into the reasons behind Nikki agreeing to the feed; as well as revelations surrounding the workings of the Everneath alongside the history of Nikki's relationship with Jack and her family. The pace of information, emotion and action flowed seamlessly weaving all the elements of the story together without faltering. 

A fantastic, emotional roller-coaster of a debut. I am so glad it is a series or I don't think I could cope with the ending, I thought my heart would break. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Tantalising Trailers: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

I have had this on my wish-list since seeing it on a Books to Pine for post by The Story Siren  believe me it's been on there a long time. The cover is so gorgeous it is just crying out to sit on My bookcase.

Title: Everneath

Series: Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Publication Date: 2 Feb 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

Plus it adds to the collection of books for Greek Mythology in YA for the library lessons [ : D ] 

Isn't it just stunning.

Tantalising Trailers: Smoulder aka The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Title: Smoulder (The Space Between)

Author: Brenna Yovanoff

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Publication Date: 5 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Being the youngest daughter of the Devil has never been easy. Daphne's father has no time for her, her mother no interest, and her status in the upper echelon separates her from the working-class demons that populate Lucifer's metropolis. When her brother and only confidante goes missing, life in the restrictive city of Pandemonium becomes intolerable. Now, in an attempt to find him, Daphne sets out for Earth - and finds it larger and more chaotic than she imagined: a dazzling expanse of noise, dirt and random violence. Despite her bewilderment, she navigates the mortal world with growing fascination, gaining an ally when she saves a dying boy from her father's minions.
For Truman Flynn, the last year has been one long downward spiral, but when Daphne arrives just in time to save his life, he finds himself unexpectedly glad to have another chance. Together, Daphne and Truman go in search of her brother, braving the hazards of Las Vegas and the perils of first love, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her brother might have had a secret and compelling reason for leaving. Lucifer's agents aren't the only creatures on the prowl, and Daphne soon finds herself the target of a plan to rid the world of demons for good. Now she must evade a demon-eating monster, rescue her brother from an angelic zealot, and save the boy she loves from his greatest enemy - himself.

I just love the sound of this book <3

Review: The Haunted by Jessica Verday

Title: The Haunted
Series: The Hollow #2
Author: Jessica Verday
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: 9 Aug 2011
Source: Own

Synopsis from Goodreads

An impossible truth. An impossible love.

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with—the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead—Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, ready to leave the ghosts of her past behind.

She throws herself into her schoolwork, her perfume-making, and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be her ticket to getting over Caspian once and for all.

But Abbey can never get over Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side, for Caspian is a Shade, and Abbey is his destiny.

They are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and to the famous legend that binds their fates—a legend whose dark truths they are only beginning to guess....

REVIEW

This is the second book in The Hollow (review HERE) series so it may contain spoilers.

The book starts a few months after the end of The Hollow progressing the story smoothly. Abbey has really grown as a character; it was nice to see her more confident and sure of herself (rather than questioning her sanity, lol). I have to say I actually enjoyed this book more than the first largely due to the fantastic character development.

The chemistry between Abby and Kaspian felt like electricity flowing from the pages. The love triangle (that really wasn't) was very nicely done paving the way for added insight into the relationships and the interactions of peripheral characters. I have to admit that Vincent actually scared me, you could tell he was quite insane but it was 'stalker' realistically portrayed *scary stuff*.

I am still totally in love with the descriptions of the perfume making. I could literally smell the essential oils wafting from between the pages. I adored how Abby lost control of all her senses in the supply shop - it reminded me of the way I react in a book store lol.

You probably already know that I love the ideal of soul-mates and destiny. This book really pushes those boundaries - just how far would you go to be with your soul-mate' would you die.

As the mystery unravels more questions required answering but it all flowed together nicely. There was one part that went slightly off track but I am not sure if this was intentioned as there are a number of red herrings and misdirections thrown into the plot. Leading to assumptions and we all know what assume makes [ ; D ]

On the whole a good second book that enhanced and developed the story. I am glad I was able to move straight onto the this book courtesy of Viv at Serendipity Reviews.

Tantalising Trailers: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I have had this book on my wish-list since the beginning of the year when it was brought to my attention with the Debut Author Challenge hosted at The Story Siren so I am over the moon that it has been picked up by Simon and Schuster for publication next year (squee - wait I feel a pre-order coming on, lol)

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Series: Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Publication Date: 1 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. 
It can. 
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. 
There is. 
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. 
She's wrong.

Although it does state the publication date is March on Amazon - I have been able to order it NOW (SQUEEEE)(update: 2 weeks after ordering Amazon reverted back to March delivery *sobs*)

Review: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Title: The Replacement

Author: Brenna Yovanoff

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children’s Books

Publication Date: 6 Jan 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Mackie Doyle is a replacement - a fairy child left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago, to replace the baby when it was stolen away by the fey. So though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie's real home is the fey world of tunnels and black, murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. Now, because his fey blood gives him fatal allergies to iron, blood and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world. Mackie would give anything just to be normal, to live quietly amongst humans, practice his bass guitar and spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably back home to the fey underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem, where he must face down the dark creatures, rescue the child, and find his rightful place - in our world, or theirs.

Review:

I have to say it took me ages to get around to reading this one, I pushed it to the top of my TBR pile when a Year 12 informed us that she thought the content may be unsuitable for younger pupils. I therefore, had to check for myself. I will say that there are two incidences of what can be classed as ‘heavy petting’ but nothing graphic or untoward. I have blocked it for Year 7 pupils to be on the safe side.

I love the premise of this book; the changeling story is exposed from the outset. The story is told in first person narrative from Mackie’s perspective. He is the changeling. His family is aware and helped cover up the fact that Mackie is far from human. Revelations surrounding his family situation and the retribution inflicted by the fey, added depth to the plot. I must say I had never really thought about the iron in blood affecting fairies. This fact however, is contradicted by the blood worship of the Morrigan.

The Morrigan in traditional Celtic Mythology is the Goddess of Battle/War, commonly depicted as a crow. It was difficult for me to reconcile the traditional image of the Morrigan with the character depicted in this book. Yes, she is cruel and vengeful but the blood drinking had shades of vampire imagery that did not work for me.

Two separate fairy courts at odds with on another is something used quite often when dealing with stories about fairies. The use of the undead as part of one court was however quite surprising and occasionally gross.

What stood out about this book for me is the way in which Mackie’s relationships are depicted. He is insecure and nervous from having to always hide who he really is. He doesn’t think he deserves to be loved or have friends. Yet it is Mackie’s relationships that have provided the means for him to survive in the human world. The relationship with his sister, Emma, is touching and co-dependent in a non-creepy way. His friends are accepting, caring and loyal; supporting Mackie both physically and emotionally. No matter whether you are a changeling or a human there is nothing more you could ask for than that.

I adored the way in which the mean girl was portrayed as having her tongue pierced, which of course is poisonous to Mackie. Taking the meaning of venomous words to another level.

There is lots of atmospheric tension aided by the fantastic music references. The guitarist portrayed brought to mind images of Slash from Guns ’n’ Roses which I am pretty sure was intentional.

This book has taken aspects of a few different paranormal stereotypes and molded them together, for me; this did not connect very well in my imagination. It is a very different
story with multi-themes but if I am honest it didn’t fully live up to my expectations.

Review: Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Raising Demons
Series: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books
Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011

Source: UK Book Tours - Lyns is awesome [ : D ]



Synopsis: From Amazon
Sophie Mercer's first term at Hex Hall turned out to be quite eventful. First the ghost of her evil grandmother haunted her every move, then her best friend was accused of murder and of course there was the discovery that Archer Cross, aka the boy of her dreams, was actually an undercover demon hunter - which would probably be something she could have worked on, if she hadn't also discovered that she was actually the demon Archer was hunting...So, despite their issues, Sophie is actually relieved to be spending the summer in London with her father. But when your father is Head of The Council of Prodigium and your summer is being spent at the headquarters of everything magical, then a quiet holiday isn't really that likely. And, as Sophie struggles to come to terms with her new found demon powers, she finds herself thrust once again into a world of dark magic and conspiracies. The only thing that could possibly make things more complicated would be for Archer Cross to show up again, which of course he wouldn't, would he?

Review: May contain spoilers for Hex Hall

We join Sophie a few months after the jaw dropping ending to Hex Hall, travelling to London to either endure the removal of her powers or let her father convince her to keep them. I just adore Sophie's spirit and snarky sense of humour.

Getting to know the father she has never met before, his distant and uptight manner does not endear him to her (or me) initially but as the story progresses and more background details are revealed Sophie's (and my) opinion of him altered, understanding for his manner quickly overrides any lingering dislike. His emotional tie to Sophie's mother really tugged at my heart strings.

The way in which the title of the book had dual meaning when applied to the narrative was ingenious. I love stuff like that.

Although I am burnt-out on the whole love triangle element this one did seem 'different'. You can completely understand the pull Sophie feels towards Archer, although the 'apparent' betrayal from the first book weighs heavily on Sophie she cannot stop the way she feels about him. The idea of soul-mates immediately jumped into my head *swoon*. Sympathy is drawn for Archer as the details are revealed of his childhood and upbringing. The chemistry between them sends sparks across the page.

Cal plays a larger role than in Hex Hall and provided a nice piece of eye-candy for my imagination. His personality was a complete contrast to Archer but I had the feeling that there was something else lurking below the surface with Cal. Lots of hidden depths and secrets yet to be revealed there.

More background details are tantalisingly dropped into the plot revealing details piece by piece; you have to pay attention.  The action is fast paced and compelling. Betrayal, double cross and good old fashioned back stabbing ensue. The twists and turns that the plot undertook made for compulsive reading, nothing could be taken for granted. The surprise revelation hinted at in the last few pages has left me desperate for the next installment to confirm or dispel my theories.

A great sequel that only adds to the impatient wait for the next installment.

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Series: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's
Publication Date: 1 April 2010

Source: Own



Synopsis: From Amazon
In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.

Review:
This book has a most refreshing take on the paranormal/supernatural genre. I adored the snarky first person narrative voice (you know I adore sarcasm) Sophie was so easy to relate to, normal teen angst, hot boy crushes and mean girl cliques mixed with kicking butt magical powers. The direct address to the reader at intervals gave it a really personal feel to the story.

Beautiful scene setting and background detail revealed throughout while keeping the element of surprise. As you are probably aware I am good at guessing plot twists - I think it stems from the amount of reading I have done (or my age) - but this one took me completely by surprise on so many levels.

The school itself is an interesting concept, the descriptions conjure southern Gothic imagery set alongside the idea of a reform school for magical beings; providing a setting that is both prison like yet strangely comfortable, oxymoronic within my imagination (that is my word of the day I just wanted to use it).  The way in which the cliques and allegiances were portrayed it was difficult to know who was good and who was bad. This really kept me on my toes.

There are some really beautifully executed twists, I really did not see them coming, this is very rare. The unexpected discoveries added to the suspense of the plot. The action is fast paced, dynamic drama, romantic tension and suspenseful anticipation all add up to a compelling read.

All the characters were individually interesting and their interactions were well executed. The way in which relationships change due to circumstances was skillfully portrayed in the narrative. I have to say that each individual character played a unique role to the plot, some in very surprising ways. I adored the friendship between Sophie and Jenna, initially formed by their joint outcast status it quickly progresses to a deeper bond. Plus who can resist a vampire that has such an obsession with the colour pink lol.

The romantic interests I actually enjoyed even though I am burnt-out on the love triangle aspects used so often at the moment, I have to say that this wasn't so much a love triangle as more life getting in the way of romance.

I have actually had this book for a while and pushed it to the top of the pile as the second book arrived from UK Book Tours - I am so glad I did. I am equally glad that I had the second book to read straight after it.