I went to a used book store yesterday, during a 70% off closing sale. It was awesomely cheap. I found three books to add to my To Be Read shelf.
(I actually have a TBR shelf. My sister made it in 7th grade woodshop class. It’s pretty awesome, if a little rickety. Sometimes the books fall out when you put new ones in. But we love it despite its flaws.)
The new books are Ten Things We Did (and probably shouldn’t have), Wicked Lovely, and Splendors and Glooms.
1. Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have)
Amazon description:
If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn’t jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe “opportunity” isn’t the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: “Lied to Our Parents”). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up “Skipping School” (#3), “Buying a Hot Tub” (#4), and, um, “Harboring a Fugitive” (#7) is a mystery to them. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn’t-have-done at a time.
Why I Bought It: I loved the description of this book. I’m a sucker for Chick Lit, but I haven’t found anything recently that looked interesting. This one caught my attention. Also, I glanced at the first page, and fell in love; it was hilarious. Do I think it will be a masterful display of literary skill and plot development? Probably not, but I’m willing to be surprised.
2. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Amazon description:
Rule #3: Don’t stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.
Rule #2: Don’t speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.
Rule #1: Don’t ever attract their attention.
But it’s too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.
Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Why I Bought It: The fairy aspect of this book is what drew me in. The first novel I ever wrote (which was pretty bad and we don’t talk about) was about fairies. Even with the fantasy and paranormal genres blossoming in the YA world today, fairies haven’t gotten a ton of attention, so I get excited when I find a book about them. Add in a side of romance and I’m sold (or it’s sold…whatever).
3. Splendors and Glooms
Amazon description:
The master puppeteer, Gaspare Grisini, is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive. Clara Wintermute, the only child of a wealthy doctor, is spellbound by Grisini’s act and invites him to entertain at her birthday party. Seeing his chance to make a fortune, Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan, puppets, and his two orphaned assistants.
Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack — adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat. In fact, Clara’s life is shadowed by grief, guilt, and secrets. When Clara vanishes that night, suspicion of kidnapping falls upon the puppeteer and, by association, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall.
As they seek to puzzle out Clara’s whereabouts, Lizzie and Parse uncover Grisini’s criminal past and wake up to his evil intentions. Fleeing London, they find themselves caught in a trap set by Grisini’s ancient rival, a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before it’s too late.
Why I Bought It: I am curious about this book. The plot sounds interesting and I’m always willing to read a grim spin on childhood stories/toys. From the description, I can’t really tell what age range it is for–YA or MG. I don’t really care, but if it is middle grade, I’d love to have a book to pass on to my little sister (she’s a fourth grader).
I don’t know if these will the next books I read, but they are on my shelf. I got the second book in the Cahill Witch series (first book was Born Wicked, my review is here), so I’ll read that soon. But I’m dying to read something funny, so Ten Things We Did will probably get a review soon. 🙂
52 Letters in the Alphabet 