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In My Mailbox (2) / Mailbox Monday (9)

March 6, 2011 52 Comments

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Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. (Library books don’t count, but eBooks & audiobooks do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at The Printed Page, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring meme (details here). This month it is hosted by I’m Booking It.

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

In My Mailbox

Title: Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy #1)
Author: Kristin Cashore
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Epic Fantasy
Review copy purchased by me in my local book store.

If you had the power to kill with your bare hands, what would you do with it?
Graceling takes readers inside the world of Katsa, a warrior-girl in her late teens with one blue eye and one green eye. This gives her haunting beauty, but also marks her as a Graceling. Gracelings are beings with special talents—swimming, storytelling, dancing. Katsa’s Grace is considered more useful: her ability to fight (and kill, if she wanted to) is unequaled in the seven kingdoms. Forced to act as a henchman for a manipulative king, Katsa channels her guilt by forming a secret council of like-minded citizens who carry out secret missions to promote justice over cruelty and abuses of power.
Combining elements of fantasy and romance, Cashore skillfully portrays the confusion, discovery, and angst that smart, strong-willed girls experience as they creep toward adulthood. Katsa wrestles with questions of freedom, truth, and knowing when to rely on a friend for help. This is no small task for an angry girl who had eschewed friendships (with the exception of one cousin that she trusts) for her more ready skills of self-reliance, hunting, and fighting. Katsa also comes to know the real power of her Grace and the nature of Graces in general: they are not always what they appear to be.

Title: Fire (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy #2)
Author: Kirsten Cashore
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Young Adult
Review copy bought by yours truly.

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains an forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.
This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.
Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there’s more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.
If only she weren’t afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Title: The Vampire Dimitri (Regency Dracula #2)
Author: Colleen Gleason
Genre: Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Vampires, Historical Fiction
Review copy provided by the publisher, MIRA books.

Regency London loves a Society wedding –
Even if there are vampires on the guest list.Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale, should be delighted that the headstrong Maia Woodmore is getting married. His mortal ward and houseguest has annoyed – and bewitched – the Dracule nobleman too long, and denying his animal cravings grows more excruciating by the day.
Miss Woodmore’s family has a rather…complicated history with the immortals and she herself possesses a keen sensibility far beyond mere women’s intuition. Marriage will give her safety, respectability, and everything else a proper young lady could wish for. Everything, that is, except for passion.
In the looming battle between Dracule factions, all pretenses will shatter as Maia and Dimitir come together in an unholy union of danger, desperation, and fiercest desire.

Title: These Hellish Happenings
Author: Jennifer Rainey
Genre: Vampires, Fantasy, Supernatural
Review copy provided by the author. Visit the author’s website.

In 1707, hapless vampire Jack Bentley made a pact with the Devil in order to escape a vampire hunt. Dealing with Satan seemed better than your standard angry mob at the time. But three centuries later, Satan is ready to collect His dues, whether the vampire likes it or not. He’s taking Jack down to Hell, and He’s even got a job picked out for him down below: an eternal position at the Registration Office of the Damned. Jack attempts to adjust to life on the Administrative Level of Hell where fire and brimstone have been replaced by board meetings and the occasional broken copier. But the whiny complaints of the recently-deceased are the least of his problems. Try adding to the equation a dead ex-lover, a dangerous attraction to his high-ranking demon companion, Alexander Ridner, and the sticky and distorted anti-vampire politics of a Hell that is surprisingly like our own world.

Title: Rook: Allie’s War, Book One
Author: J.C. Andrijeski
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Review copy provided by the author. Visit the author’s website.

Twenty-eight-year-old San Francisco native, Allie Taylor, knew she had issues…but she at least thought she was human. In her version of modern day Earth, a second race of human-like beings called seers were discovered in Asia in the early 1900s. Since then, they have fought in two world wars and live alongside humans as second-class citizens. In Allie’s city, they exist mostly in a form of slavery whereby their powers are contracted out to human “patrons,” or owners, sometimes for the whole of their lives. Under those contracts, seers work as prostitutes, corporate spies, military intelligence-gatherers, curiosities and assassins.
So when Allie meets her first, real, flesh-and-blood seer, she’s not exactly thrilled when he tells her that she’s a seer like him. Not only that, but after he awakens her powers, it turns out she’s telekinetic—an ability she shares with only one other seer in history, a mass-murderer who led the only anti-human rebellion.
Forced to adjust to being a member of a race considered dangerous by everyone she’s ever cared about, she finds out that she was hidden among humans as a child for a very specific reason; the religious elders among the seers are convinced that Allie is a figure from the most famous of their myths. In that myth, Allie is called the Bridge, and her presence on Earth signals the end of the human race.
Worse, no matter what she does, everything that happens after that only seems to prove them right.

Title: The Girl Who Was On Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games Trilogy
Author: Leah Wilson, Carrie Ryan, Ned Vizzini, Lili Wilkinso, Blythe Woolston, Sarah Darer Littman, Jennifer Lynn Barnes , Mary Borsellino, Sarah Rees Brennan, Terri Clark, Bree Despain, Adrienne Kress, Cara Lockwood, Elizabeth M. Rees.
Genre: Anthology
Review copy provided by the publisher. Visit the publisher’s website.

Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite.
The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy’s darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection’s exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

Title: My Sparkling Misfortune
Author: Laura Lond
Genre: Humor, Fantasy, Teen
Review copy provided by the author.

Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle readily admits that he is a villain and sees no reason why it should stop him from being the protagonist of this book. After all, Prince Kellemar, an aspiring hero, has defeated him in a rather questionable way. Bent on revenge, Arkus attempts to capture a powerful evil spirit who would make him nearly invincible, but a last-minute mistake leaves him with a Sparkling instead—“a goody-goody spirit that helps heroes, watches over little children, and messes up villains’ plans.” Bound to Lord Arkus for five years of service and sworn to act in his best interests, the Sparkling is not easy to get rid of, and of course his understanding of “best interests” is quite different from what Lord Arkus has in mind.

Title: In the Storm
Author: Karen Metcalf
Genre: Fantasy, Angels
Review copy provided by the author. Visit the author’s website.

Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.

No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay?

Filed Under: Features, In My Mailbox Tagged With: , ,

Comments

  1. Mandi says
    March 6, 2011 at 12:29 am

    You got a lot of great books this week! I really want to read Graceling! Happy Reading!
    My IMM
    Mandi

    Reply
  2. Bonnie says
    March 6, 2011 at 1:00 am

    I LOVE Kristin Cashore and both of her books. Graceling is one of my absolute favorite teen books. I hope you enjoy it!!!
    I’ve been anticipating The Girl Who Was On Fire since (Presenting) Lenore mentioned it the other day.
    I haven’t heard of Rook: Allie’s War before, but it sounds interesting.
    Good haul 🙂

    Reply
    • Majanka says
      March 8, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Thanks! I’ve already finished reading Graceling, which actually proves that it’s really an amazing book. I loved it. I loved it so much that I ran back to the store and bought myself a copy of Fire. The writing style in these novels is simply amazing, and Kristin Cashore is now my favorite teen writer ever. I liked this one even more than The Hunger Games or Iron King, and that’s saying something! 😛

      Reply
  3. Rachel says
    March 6, 2011 at 8:33 am

    Nice books this week! Hope you enjoy them!
    Here’s my IMM: http://crackaspinebookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-my-mailbox-2.html

    Reply
  4. Sally says
    March 6, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Loads of great books this week. I loved Graceling haven’t read Fire yet though.
    Happy reading.
    Sally.
    http://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-my-mailbox-9.html

    Reply
  5. Mrs. Q: Book Addict says
    March 6, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    WOW, this is a full mailbox. Enjoy all your new reads. I have Graceling as well, but I never got around to reading it.

    Reply
    • Majanka says
      March 8, 2011 at 8:08 am

      You really should! Graceling is an amazing read – it’s actually my favorite so far this year! And considering that I already read The Iron King, Fallen and Paranormalcy (three very good novels) this year, that means a lot!

      Reply
  6. Elysium says
    March 6, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    I ‘ll have Graceling up next, hoping it’s good! Rook: Allie’s War sounds good!

    Reply
  7. pk reeves says
    March 6, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    Another A plus week for your IMM. Girl do you ever have a bad week?
    FYI liking the looks of the Vampire Dimitri… reminds me of the Tudors with fangs… 🙂

    Reply
    • Majanka says
      March 8, 2011 at 8:07 am

      Now you mention it, I can see the resemblance between the cover of The Vampire Dimitri and the cover of one of the Tudor series/seasons. Or was it a novel? Not sure, but I do see what you mean 😉
      And hehehe 😛 I guess not! Although I’m often quite jealous of the books other people get (I just want every book in the world I guess) but I’m always very happy with my mailbox as well. I like nothing more than opening my mailbox and discovering books 😛 But you did pretty well yourself this week! Especially The Postmistress and Quicksilver really grabbed my attention. So it appears it was an A plus week for you as well!

      Reply
  8. Sheila (Bookjourney) says
    March 7, 2011 at 4:38 am

    Gorgeous reads! Enjoy them all.

    Reply
  9. bermudaonion (Kathy) says
    March 7, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Wow, you had a great week in books! I hope you love them all!

    Reply
  10. Mystica says
    March 7, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    You have a good haul here. Enjoy the reading.

    Reply
  11. Tara says
    March 7, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Looks like you got some great books! I had Graceling from the library, but had to take it back. I’ll have to pick it up again! Thank you for stopping by!

    Reply
  12. Lynossa says
    March 7, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Nice haul! I’ve been meaning to read Graceling for months, I hope you’ll enjoy it ~
    Thanks for visiting!

    Reply
  13. Gabby says
    March 7, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    Cool books i’ve never seen these before
    Thanks for checking out my IMM

    Reply
  14. Julie @ Knitting and Sundries says
    March 7, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    We have the Cashore books here and I’m just waiting for my Not-So-Bebe-Girl Autumn to finish “Fire” so that I can dig in!
    Wonderful mailbox!

    Reply
  15. Andye says
    March 7, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Graceling and Fire are two of my favorite books!! Enjoy them!!

    Reply
  16. Moonlight Gleam says
    March 7, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am a new follower 🙂
    great haul btw! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

    Reply
  17. Neri@bookfanatic says
    March 7, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I’m so jealous 🙂 I just got Graceling and haven’t had a chance to read it yet. If you get around to reading it before let me know so I can check out your review. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    Reply
  18. Laurel-Rain Snow says
    March 7, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Great looking books! Hope you enjoy them all.
    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Reply
  19. Gina says
    March 7, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Great books! I can’t wait to read the “Girl who was On Fire-” it’s supposed to be great!!
    Thanks for visiting my blog! Have a great week!

    Reply
  20. Kero says
    March 7, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your IMM looks really great. I was so disappointed with Twilight series that I didn’t touch any other vampire book. They must be good but I don’t feel up to reading any vampire books. I like the cover of ‘My Sparkling Misfortune,’ by the way. I’m your new follower.
    Enjoy reading!
    -Kero
    http://kerosbookblog.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  21. Laura Fabiani says
    March 7, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I see you’re a YA fan. The Girl Who was on Fire should be interesting. I read the trilogy and would be curious to see what other authors are saying about it.

    Reply
  22. Becky says
    March 7, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Great books this week! I’ve been wanting to read Graceling and Fire. I’ll be looking out for your reviews of them!

    Reply
  23. Hibiscus says
    March 7, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    The Kristin Cashore books are interesting reads. Demon King is AWESOME. Like seriously, bite your fingernails awesome. You’ll want to read The Exiled Queen as soon as you are done. Kelley Armstrong’s series is good. Not the best but entertaining anyway.

    Reply
  24. Yvonne says
    March 7, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Hello Majanka,
    I am determined to branch out into the ‘paranormal’ genre, this year.
    I shall be stopping by your site to grab all my recommendations, as you get some fantastic titles.
    I love both the cover art and synopsis of ‘The Vampire Dimitri’ and the synopsis of ‘In The Storm’ sounds captivating.
    Enjoy your new books.

    Reply
  25. Ryan says
    March 7, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    Great group of books, a few of them have been on my TBR list for a while now. Have a great week.

    Reply
  26. Kelly says
    March 7, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    The Girl Who Was On Fire is definitely on my TBR list. It sounds freaking awesome. Happy reading!

    Reply
  27. lisa says
    March 7, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    okay, you NEED to read Graceling and Fire. STAT! they will change your life etc.
    nice haul!
    L

    Reply
  28. Alanna Shaw says
    March 7, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    I have a copy of Dreaming Anastasia on my E-reader. It looks really good. I hope to get a chance to read it soon. Can’t wait to see what you’re review is like. I don’t know much about that book.

    Reply
  29. Candace says
    March 7, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I really enjoyed Graceling and Fire but Fire was definitely my fav of the two. Great books!

    Reply
  30. Chelsea @ Rand0m Girl says
    March 7, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Wow these books all look really good. I haven’t heard of a few of these books but now I’m going to have to check them out, because they look really good. I hope you enjoy Graceling, I’ve heard a lot of good things about that book.

    Reply
  31. Annette says
    March 7, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Some interesting books there, that I’m unfamiliar with. Thanks for the visit!

    Reply
  32. Aryelle says
    March 7, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    I have yet to read Graceling. I should definitely get on that. And wait, do I smell vampires? lol. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Diane@BibliophileBytheSea says
    March 8, 2011 at 12:20 am

    WOW…so many new books. Hope you like them all:)

    Reply
  34. Ruperto @ Bookable Reads ☺ says
    March 8, 2011 at 1:17 am

    hi! thanks for visiting my blog. your site is really awesome! you have so many books! I think like them all! Keep it up and GOD bless!

    Reply
  35. Page (One Book At A Time) says
    March 8, 2011 at 2:40 am

    I LOVED Graceling and Fire. I can’t wait until the 3rd one comes out!

    Reply
    • Majanka says
      March 8, 2011 at 8:03 am

      Me neither! To be honest, I already finished reading Graceling the very day I bought it, and then I ran back to the store to buy Fire, because I was so excited to read the next one! Now I’m halfway through Fire and wow…just wow.

      Reply
  36. joann downie says
    March 8, 2011 at 2:59 am

    Wow, you have terrific books there! Thanks for coming by!

    Reply
  37. Jess - A Book Hoarder says
    March 8, 2011 at 3:37 am

    Great choice with Graceling and Fire, they are amazing books! I’m curious to see what you think of The Girl Who Was On Fire. I hope you enjoy everything.

    Reply
  38. Nicki says
    March 8, 2011 at 4:39 am

    Wow so many awesome books! I’ve heard great things about Graceling. Have fun reading 🙂

    Reply
  39. Kim says
    March 8, 2011 at 4:43 am

    You will be busy reading, with that large stack of books! I think my find of Soulless would fit right in with your preferred genre. 😉
    *smiles*

    Reply
    • Majanka says
      March 8, 2011 at 8:02 am

      I’m pretty sure of that as well! I loved the summary of Soulless, it immediately appealed to me, and well, it’s one of my favorite genres, as you can clearly see 😉 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  40. Leslie says
    March 8, 2011 at 7:19 am

    Lots of new books this week and all new ones to me.

    Reply
  41. Nic @ Irresistible Reads says
    March 8, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Great stack of books. I really enjoyed Graceling. Happy reading 🙂

    Reply
  42. Mary says
    March 8, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Great list. Hope you enjoy each one!

    Reply
  43. Tiffany Dall says
    March 9, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    I’ve had my eye on that Hunger Games anthology, but I haven’t read any reviews yet. Be sure to let us know what you think of it!

    Reply
  44. Laura Ashlee says
    March 12, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I loved Graceling. I hope you enjoy it too. The Regency Dracula book looks really interesting. I might have to check that out.

    Reply

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