Waiting on Wednesday (15): Lament

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater.

Published by: Scholastic UK

Format: Paperback

Released: 3rd January 2010

Amazon UK

"

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. When a mysterious boy enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of nowhere, Deirdre finds herself infatuated. Trouble is, the enigmatic and conflicted Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin—and Deirdre is meant to be his next mark. Deirdre has to decide if Luke's feelings towards her are real, or only a way to lure her deeper into the world of Faerie"

I've really enjoyed the first two Maggie Stiefvater books I've read so far. Shiver and Linger. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the third and final book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, Forever which is out next Summer! But in the meantime, Maggie's UK publisher are launching Lament in the new year and I'm looking forward to reading what Maggie can do outside of the freezing Mercy Falls books. Be sure to check this one out! It sounds awesome! And I love the cover! Very cool!

Waiting on Wednesday (14): I Am J

I Am J by Cris Beam

Published by: Little Brown Books.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 7th April 2011

Amazon UK

"J spun. His stomach clenched hard, as though he'd been hit. It was just the neighbour lady, Mercedes. J couldn't muster a hello back, not now; he didn't care that she'd tell his mother he'd been rude. She should know better. Nobody calls me Jeni anymore. J always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up a 'real boy' and started covering up his body, keeping himself invisible - from his family, from his friends...from the world. But after being deserted by the best friend he thought would always be by his side, J decides that he's done hiding - it's time to be who he really is. And this time he is determined not to give up, no matter the cost."

This book is so new that it doesn't even have a cover yet. But just based on the synopsis it sounds really really good and I for one cannot wait to read it. Going straight on my wishlist!

Waiting on Wednesday (13): Everybody Jam

Everybody Jam  by Ali Lewis.

Published by: Anderson Press.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 3rd March 2011.

Amazon UK | The Book Depositary

‘Everybody jam’ is outback slang for apricot jam – because everybody likes it. But not everything in Danny Dawson’s life is that sweet. Danny Dawson lives in the middle of the Australian outback. His older brother Jonny was killed in an accident last year but no-one ever talks about it. And now it's time for the annual muster. The biggest event of the year on the cattle station, and a time to sort the men from the boys. But this year things will be different: because Jonny's gone and Danny's determined to prove he can fill his brother's shoes; because their fourteen-year-old sister is pregnant; because it's getting hotter and hotter and the rains won't come; because cracks are beginning to show . . . When Danny's mum admits she can't cope, the family hires a housegirl to help out - a wide-eyed English backpacker. She doesn't have a clue what she's let herself in for. And neither do they."

Personally, I think that this sounds absolutely amazing. It sounds like a great story and that cover is simply brilliant! Cannot wait to read this one! Only 134 days to go*...

*= Please note I'm not that sad to sit and work that out for myself... The Book Depositary did that for me!

Waiting on Wednesday (12): In The Bag

In The Bag by Jim Carrington.

Published by: Bloomsbury.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 7th February 2011.

Amazon UK

"Joe and Ash are best friends. Ash is the leader, Joe the one who follows. Then one night after a party, Joe and Ash come across a holdall, seemingly abandoned by the side of the road. They open it up ...and find GBP20,000 in cash. Of course they're going to hand it straight to the police. Aren't they? Or is all that money just too tempting? Whoever has lost it won't notice if a bit goes missing, will they? And that is precisely when the trouble starts ...Jim Carrington has already established himself as a fine writer for teens with his debut novel, Inside My Head. With In the Bag, he shows how horribly easy it is for two teenage boys to make a car crash of their lives, through an unlucky combination of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making a handful of wrong decisions."

I loved Jim's last book, In My Head which came out earlier this year and cannot wait to read this! (A review of which, can be found here at The Book Zone for Boys, as a guest post!) It sounds brilliant. I love the cover! I can't wait to see what Jim has in store next! Roll on February!

Waiting on Wednesday (11): The Search for WondLa

The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi.

Published by: Simon And Schuster Children's Books.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 1st October 2010.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

"Eva Nine was raised by the robot Muthr. But when a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary she called home, twelve-year-old Eva is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her. She knows that other humans exist because of a very special item she treasures ~ a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot along with the strange word "WondLa". Tony DiTerlizzi honours traditional children's literature in this totally original space age adventure: one that is as complex as an alien planet, but as simple as a child's wish for a place to belong."

This book looks incredible. And it sounds it too! You only have to look at the cover to see that it is beautifully illustrated. And it features some very cool new technology! Go to www.wondla.com to find out more about augmented reality, where you can hold certain pages up to your webcam and watch scenes and images from the book unfold before your very eyes on your computer screen! How cool does that sound?! Cannot wait to check it out for myself!

Waiting On Wednesday (10): HarperCollins Highlight

This week, seeing as there are a few books I am very excited about, and they're all published by the same publisher, I thought I'd do a Waiting On Wednesday: HaperCollins Highlight!

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Mercy by Rebecca Lim.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 28th October 2010.

Amazon UK

"There's something very wrong with me. I can't remember who I am or how old I am, or even how I got here. All I know is that when I wake up, I could be any one. It is always this way.

There's nothing I can keep with me that will stay. It's made me adaptable.
I must always re-establish ties.
I must tread carefully or give myself away.
I must survive.
Mercy doesn't realise it yet, but as she journeys into the darkest places of the human soul, she discovers that she is one of the celestial host exiled with fallen angel, Lucifer. Now she must atone for taking his side. To find her own way back to heaven, Mercy must help a series of humans in crisis and keep the unwary from getting caught up in the games that angels play. Ultimately she must choose between her immortal companion, Lucifer, and a human boy who risks everything for her love."


This sounds brilliant and the cover looks fantastic. Plus I've really gotten into angels lately. Much better than vampires, right?!

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Department 19 by Will Hill


Format: Hardback.
Released: 31st March 2011.
Amazon UK


"In a secret supernatural battle that's been raging for over a century, the stakes have just been raised – and they're not wooden anymore. When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency. Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against…"


There actually isn't a cover for this yet, but I saw it on HarperCollins site and it sounds brilliant! Cannot wait to read this one!

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How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

Format: Mixed media.

Released: 28th October 2010 (Re-print).

Amazon UK

"The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!

Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right.It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.

The ghastly Grinch refuses to be moved by the Christmas spirit in this lovely hardback version of Dr Seuss's classic tale.

When he spies the citizens of Who-ville enjoying their Christmas preparations, the Grinch comes down from his cave and makes a dastardly attempt to take all the joy out of the occasion by actually stealing Christmas.

With zany rhymes and distinctive black and red illustrations, this classic seasonal story has become a favourite for good reason. In the end, the story of the ghastly Grinch has something to teach us all about the true meaning of Christmas."

I have rather shamingly never read this, despite being a massive fan of the film adaptation starring Jim Carey and the cartoon version on every Christmas. I know I tweeted the other day saying that I am tired of hearing people go on about Christmas this early, but every year I intend to get this and never do, so this year I will make it a mission. I've always wanted to read it, and being a big kid, this year it will happen! :D

So there you go. Some highlights coming over the next few months from HarperCollins. What books are you excited about right now?

Waiting On Wednesday (9): Boys Don't Cry

Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman.

Published by: Doubleday Children's Books.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 28th October 2010

Amazon UK

Official synopsis: "In Boys Don't Cry, bestselling author Malorie Blackman explores the unchartered territory of teenage fatherhood. You’re waiting for the postman--he’s bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist--a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings it’s your old girlfriend; and she’s carrying a baby. You’re fine to look after it, for an hour or two, while she does some shopping. Then she doesn’t come back and your future suddenly looks very different. Malorie’s dramatic new novel will take you on a journey from tears to laughter and back again."

This sounds absolutely fantastic! I don't think I've ever seen a book about teenage pregnancy that focuses on the father. Really looking forward to reading this. I've read Noughts And Crosses and loved it so can't wait to get into this one! Plus as a guy, it'll be good to see a book from a guys point of view as most in YA fiction these days are narrated by the girls so this will make for an interesting change! 

Waiting On Wednesday (8): Reckless

Reckless by Cornelia Funke.

Published by: Chicken House.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 14th September 2010

Amazon UK - Amazon US

Official synopsis: "For the first time in his life, Jacob Reckless is afraid. For years he's stolen across to another world. A dark enchanted place he's loved for its treasure, secrets and dangers. Until now. Will, his younger brother, has followed him with terrible consequences: The boy will turn to beast; the girl he loves will break her hert and chaos will rule forever, unless Jacob can spin a fairytale to save them .."

This sounds absolutely fantastic and how amazing does that cover look? It's haunting and yet evokes some curiosity. And I'm told by people that are lucky enough to have a copy that it's shiny. Ooh. Looking forward to reading this!

Waiting On Wednesday (7): Crescendo

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Published by: Simon And Schuster.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 14th October 2010.

Amazon UK - Amazon US

Synopsis: "Nora should know better than to think her life can return to normal after falling in love with a fallen angel. And Nora's life isn't normal - her dad was murdered, and the facts about his death just don't add up. Now Nora's own life is in imminent danger. Are she and Patch strong enough for the battle ahead?"

I really enjoyed Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick (review here) and cannot wait to read this. It sounds brilliant. Again the cover art is fantastic. Very eye catching. It's definitely going to stand out in the shops! Kudos to Simon and Schuster on that front! That cover is reason enough just to get this! Can't wait to see what happens to Nora and Patch next! It'll be interesting to see how their relationship develops.

Waiting On Wednesday (6): Mockingjay

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

Published: 24th August 2010.

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge... The thrilling final instalment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.

Now, I am a realtive newcomer to the world of The Hunger Games, only getting the first two books today and beginning to read the first. But already I am captured by this book. Completely addicted and dying to find out how it all ends in Mockingjay. I cannot imagine how you people who have had to wait since last year's Catching Fire are still sane!


And how amazing is that cover? I wasn't sure about it at first but now I love it. Very striking. Love the US cover as well! Roll on 24th August!

Waiting On Wednesday (5): I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.

Published by: Puffin.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 26th August 2010.

Official synopsis: "In the beginning we were nine. We left when we were very young, almost too young to remember. Almost. And now . . . Three are gone. We are here to keep our race alive, which was almost entirely obliterated. We’re just trying to survive. Six are left. But we are hunted, and the hunters won’t stop until they’ve killed us all. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. I am Number Four. I know that I am next."

I Am Number Four is now one of my most anticipated titles for release this year. I was just browsing Amazon and was caught by the cover art (looks amazing, doesn't it?!). I read the synopsis and instantly fell in love it, and am now very excited to read it. It just sounds utterly brilliant.

It's also being made into a movie due for release next year!

Waiting On Wednesday (4): The Cabinet Of Curiosities

Waiting on Wednesday idea from Jill atBreaking the Spine.

The Cabinet of Curiosities by Paul Dowswell.

Published by: Bloomsbury.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 5th July 2010.

Official synopsis: "

When Lukas de Boodt is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe's greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. The uncle is court physician to Rudolf II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolf's bizarre Cabinet of Curiosites, four halls stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as nails from Noah's Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolf retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolf to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor's favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes' mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina's loyalty in order to save his own life."

Now this sounds absolutely brilliant. An excellent premise. And the cover art is stunning. Very excited to read this when it comes out!

Waiting On Wednesday (3) on a Thursday: The Red Pyramid

Waiting on Wednesday idea from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordon.

Published by: Puffin.

Format: Hardback.

Released: 13th May 2010.

Official synopsis: "

Carter and Sadie have nothing in common but their parents: their father Dr. Julius Kane, a brilliant Egyptologist, and their mother, a famed archaeologist who died under mysterious circumstances when they were young. The siblings barely know each other, but one night, their father brings them together at the British Museum, promising a 'research experiment' that will set things right for their family. His plans go horribly wrong. An explosion unleashes an ancient evil - the Egyptian god Set who banishes Dr. Kane to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives. Now orphaned, Carter and Sadie must embark on a dangerous quest - from Cairo to Paris to the American Southwest, to save their father and stop Set from destroying everything they care about..."

This book sounds absolutely brilliant! I've always wanted to read Riordon's Percy Jackson series, but never got round to it until recently when I brought the first book, Percy Jacckson and the Lightning Thief. This series however, I intend to get involved right from the get go.

I've always had an interest in Egypt and their myths and different practices. In GCSE History, we did Medicine Through the Ages, and the Egypt section was by far the most interesting and fascinating, only adding to my love of everything Egypt. The pyramids. The Pharaohs. The gods. Everything just feels so magical. Very excited to read this!

Waiting On Wednesday (2): Wolven - The Twilight Circus

Waiting on Wednesday idea from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

WOLVEN: The Twilight Circus by Di Toft.

Published by: Chicken House.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 3rd May 2010.

Official summery: "Having spent the summer dodging mutant werewolves and barking-mad scientists, Nat Carver and Woody, his shape-shifting friend, have joined the Twilight Circus of Illusion before going in search of Woody’s long-lost clan. But instead the boys are caught up in a thrilling new adventure, this time against the forces of evil in the guise of a black widow vampire and her terrifying hive. Featuring a fantastic lenticular cover, this is the second in the bestselling series of fast-paced, funny and accessible stories about a boy and his shape-shifting dog, jam-packed with all the hairy fun and adventure that thrilled readers in the first book – and a howl lot more!"

I have to say, after the slight diappointment of Book One (you can read my review here) this book sounds brilliant! Quite excited to read it to be honest. I'm going to have to get it even just for the cover! I love how the cover for Wolven changes, so I'm excited to see the cover for this! It truly is a work of art!

Waiting On Wednesday (1): Bree Tanner

Waiting on Wednesday idea from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer.

Published by: Atom Books (UK). Little Brown Books (US).

Format: Hardback.

Release date: 5th June 2010.

Amazon UK - Amazon US

Amazon summary: "Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion."

I for one am very very excited for this. I absolutely adored Eclipse, and thought that the ending chapters were utterly brilliant. To get to see that from a different perspective, to see what went on literally behind the scenes, and from the perspective of a newborn at that is going to be very exciting!

Roll on 5th June!