In My Mailbox #51

Welcome to  In My Mailbox, a meme run by The Story Siren where each week over 200 bloggers post on their blogs the books they have bought, received to review or won in the past week.

To find out more information, get involved yourself or see what's in other bloggers mailboxes this week head over to The Story Siren or to find out what is in my mailbox this week, keep reading.

Don't forget to comment and post your IMM link or just let me know what's in your mail box this week.

My pre-orders came in this week along with some other parcels - not all of which were from me this pic was an awesome sight to come home to one day :-)

Purchased:

But Pre-orders! Yes my copies of Boundless and Everbound finally arrived!!! Aren't they pretty.  Can't wait to read them but trying to be good and get some recview stuff read and reviewed first. Though it is very very difficult...:-P

Everbound (Everneath  #2) by Brodi Ashton

Goodreads | Book Depository

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

Goodreads | Book Depository

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Library: 

Went a little crazy at the library again this week.  It turns out a couple of the books I borrowed were later books of series so I reserved and borrowed the earlier books plus as normal came across a few exciting extras :-)

Harvest Moon (Five Hundred Kingdoms #5.5) by Mercedes Lackey

Goodreads | Book Depository

Awakening & Spellbound (Sweep Omnibus Editions #5-6)  by Cate Tiernan 

Goodreads | Book Depository

The Calling & Changeling (Sweep Omnibus Editions #7-8)  by Cate Tiernan 

Goodreads | Book Depository

Harvest Moon (Five Hundred Kingdoms #5.5) by Mercedes Lackey

Goodreads | Book Depository

 Beauty and the Werewolf (Five Hundred Kingdoms #6) by Mercedes Lackey

Goodreads | Book Depository

Phoenix and Ashes (Elemental Masters #4) by Mercedes Lackey 

Goodreads | Book Depository

The Gates of Sleep (Elemental Masters #3) by Mercedes Lackey

Goodreads | Book Depository

Serpent's Shadow (Elemental Masters #2) by Mercedes Lackey

Goodreads | Book Depository

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Top Ten Books I am Looking Forward to in 2013

The year has just flown, and because I don't want to forget all that I read in the blur that was 2012, I have decided to participate in Top Ten of 2012 Week: A week of Looking back...And looking forward hosted by Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks on Books and Magical Urban Fantasy Reads 

Each day will be a different Top 10 and today's Top 10 is the Top Ten Books I am Looking Forward to in 2013. This topic was probably the easiest top ten all week.  I have been keeping track since about mid May, books I was looking forward to in 2013.  So all I had to do was decide on the order to put them in.

10. The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Comment: Huge fan of the Vampire Academy series and this is the third book of the spin off series, Bloodlines. Can't wait to read this.

Release Date: 12 February 2013

Pre-order: Book Depository

9. Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry
"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Comment: I LOVED Pushing The Limits so I cannot wait to read this book set in the same time/town but with other characters

Release Date: 7 June 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

8. The Impossibility of Tomorrow (Incarnation #2) by Avery Williams

The immortal Seraphina is forced to face the darkness of her past—and risk losing the love of her life—in this second novel in the Incarnation series.

Seraphina has been living for centuries, thanks to a special method of alchemy, but only recently has she really felt alive. She’s finally broken free from her controlling boyfriend, Cyrus, and after years of swapping bodies to preserve her immortality, is happily settled into a life worth sticking with. Because in this life, she has Noah.

But Noah might not be as trustworthy as he seems. After he delivers an ominous message that could only come from Cyrus, Sera is worried that her new friends and family will find out her secret. And as her suspicions extend beyond Noah, Sera is forced to wonder about her new friends as well: Could her old coven be disguising themselves right under her nose?

Will Sera have to move to another body—and take another life—or can she find a way to keep what she’s got, forever?



Comment: The first book of this series finished on a very creepy/horrible cliff hanger. Really want to see what happens next.

Release Date: 4 July 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

7. The Goddess Inheritance (The Goddess Test #3) by Aimee Carter

Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

Comment: The first book of this series was one of my favourite of 2011 and the second book finished with a breathtaking cliffhanger. Expecting this book to be awesome!

Release Date: 19 February 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

6. Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

Comment: I love Claudia Gray's books and I love books about witches so this book sounds perfect for me :)

Release Date: 5 March 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

5. Dreaming of Zhou Gong (The Timekeepers #1) by Traci Harding
Set in ancient China, DREAMING OF ZHOU GONG is a beautiful story of Hudan, one of the mysterious Wu who lives on the sacred mountain of Li Shan. The Wu have been living in isolation for decades while the Shang Emperor and his enchantress have ruled the land. It has been a terrible time for the common people and the noble Ji brothers are keen to bring the emperor′s arrogant bloodthirsty reign to an end. They believe an ancient prophecy has predicted the fall of the Shang emperor and they are keen to enact it, but first they must journey to the mountain and seek out the Wu.

When the Ji brothers join forces with the beautiful, enigmatic Hudan and her equally mysterious tiger sister, they begin a powerful journey of love and adventure.

But the Shang emperor is not their greatest threat. There is a dark curse that has plagued the rulers of the land for generations. And the mysterious Sons of the Sky who visit Hudan in her dreams have a plan to destroy it. Can Hudan trust them?

DREAMING OF ZHOU GONG is a beautitful, evocative journey through ancient China.

Release Date: 1st February, 2013

Pre-Order: Galaxy Bookshop

Comment: In just under a month and a half, the first book of my favourite author's newest trilogy comes out. Finally! Did I mention I am not so patient and a year is a long time to wait :-P. Seriously though,  I love this time period and I love Traci's stories so cannot wait to start this newest trilogy :)

Oh and check out the gorgeous cover!

4. Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again

Comment: I loved Book 1, Touch of Power and I love Maria V Snyder's writing so cannot wait to get my hands on Scent of Magic :-)

Release Date (In Australia): 1 January 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

3. With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent

What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America?

It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (after all, she did die), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to the find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity and the rest on each other. And so she–and her gang–make plans to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath. And Kaylee realizes that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. Especially when one more person she loves is taken...

Comment: The conclusion to the Soul Screamer series! Expecting this book to be epic!

Release Date: 19 March 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

2. Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Comment: Have already pre-ordered this book. That is how much I am looking forward to it. Uneathly was great. Hallowed even better. Looking forward to the conclusion of this Trilogy.

Release Date: 22 January 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

1. Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

Comment: So I think I pre-ordered this one almost as soon as I finished book #1, Everneath. Due out next month, January 22 cannot come quick enough!

Release Date: 22 January 2013

Pre-Order: Book Depository

Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know what you are looking forward to reading in 2013!

Thanks also to  Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks on Books and Magical Urban Fantasy Reads  for organising this awesome event this week.  I have had so much fun sharing my top tens of 2012.  Hope you enjoyed them too!

Best Book Boyfriends of 2012

This year has just flown, and because I don't want to forget all that I read in the blur that was 2012, I have decided to participate in Top Ten of 2012 Week: A week of Looking back...And looking forward hosted by Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks on Books and Magical Urban Fantasy Reads 

Each day will be a different Top 10 and today's Top 10 is the Best Book Boyfriends of 2012. The guidelines for this one was from a book both released and read in 2012. This was actually really hard, not only picking them but then trying to figure WHY I thought they should be there.  This was the ten I finally settled for:

10. Patrick from Demons (Seers #2) by Heather Frost

An Irish immortal assigned to protect seer, Kate ( who he is also in love with).  Who wouldn't fall for someone willing to give up his immortality to save the one he loves?


Purchase: Book Depository

9. Henry from Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

Fiercely loyal, a God, tall dark and handsome. Several reasons right there. He has a few trust issues due to being hurt deeply in a previous relationship but when he falls, he falls hard and deeply.  Again, willing to risk his life for the one he loves.

8. Noah from The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

The boy next door. Who can go past the boy next door. Handsome and has most likely seen you at your best and your worst. Loyal and sweet. Yup, Noah had to be in my top 10.

Purchase: Book Depository

7. Beckett Montgomery from The Perfect Hope (Inn Boonsboro #3) by Nora Roberts

To be honest, I would take any of the three Montgomery boys: Beckett, Ryder or Owen. Tall, dark, ruggedly handsome and good with their hands. Fiercely protective of those they love. Who wouldn't fall for them? However, out of the three, if I had to choose, it would be Beckett. The oldest of three, I think he combines all of the best qualities of the Montgomery boys and for some reason, at least to me, stands out just that little bit further.

Purchase: Book Depository

6. Tristan from Covet by Melissa Darnell

What I love about Tristan is that he knows he can't be with Savannah as it dangerous for him and because they are so different but he still is determined to work out a way for them to be together and protect her from the rest of the clann. I couldn't not put him in my top ten :-)

Purchase: Book Depository

5. Shane from Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine

Shane may not be perfect nor always the perfect boyfriend but he definitely deserves to be on this list. A blonde good looking jock, he loves Claire and would do anything for her. The perfect gentleman when he wants to be, willing to defend himself, Claire and his friends when needed but with a touch of bad boy that can often get him into trouble. A great combination that get's him to number 5 on the list.

Purchase: Book Depository

4. Tucker from Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Tucker comes in at 4 on the list. This cowboy may not be an angel but he is kind, sweet and funny.

Purchase: Book Depository

3. Noah from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

The ultimate bad boy with the heart of gold. Despite his reputation, all he wants to do is get his brothers back. He is unbelievably gentle with Echo and makes her feel special and even better, normal. Another automatic on the list.

Purchase: Book Depository

2. Tod Hudson from Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6)  by Rachel Vincent

Hmmm where do I start with Tod. Initially he comes of as irritating with his selective invisibility and all but he genuinely cares for Kaylee to the point, he was willing to trade in his reaper status for her. He is kind, understanding and supportive of Kaylee and really almost the perfect boyfriend if it wasn't for...


Purchase: Book Depository

1. Jack from Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Jack. Don't want to spoil this book for those that haven't read it but those that have know what cements him in the number one spot. He is another boy next door and really the only boy who has ever been in Nikki's life. He would do anything for her.

Purchase: Book Depository

Don't forget to comment and let me know your top 10 for this year.

Best Book Series Instalments of 2012

This year has just flown, and because I don't want to forget all that I read in the blur that was 2012, I have decided to participate in Top Ten of 2012 Week: A week of Looking back...And looking forward hosted by Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks on Books and Magical Urban Fantasy Reads 

Each day will be a different Top 10 and today's Top 10 is the Best Book Series Instalments of 2012. Essentially this will be a top ten list of instalments of series/trilogy/set that came out this year and/or I read .Book 1's or a series/trilogy don't count unless I have already read at least book 2.  This is not a list of the best series as such but of the best instalment to that series (e.g. book 2 of the Example series).  It seems that most books I read these days are series' rather than stand alones and also I read a number of multiple books in series etc this year so this list is a way to celebrate them :)

10. Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse #4) by Charlaine Harris

I read the whole Sookie Stackhouse series in the first week and a half of early January.  It's such a fun read and while I love the True Blood series, I think I love the books more.  This one is my favourite out of the lot.

Purchase: Book Depository

9. The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

Another series that I read in a row over the space of perhaps a week? I haven't actually finished the Iron Knight yet but it was a toss up between the Iron Daughter and this one.  What clinched the deal for me was that it took me a couple of tries to start the Iron Daughter (and then went on to love it) while this one i think devoured from start to finish in just 1 or two sittings :)

Purchase: Book Depository

8. The Lost Queen (The Faerie Path #2) by Frewin Jones

Another series I discovered by accident while browsing my library earlier this year.  The library only had the first 3 so I went out and purchased the entire series LOL! This is book 2 though so far I have still only read the first 3.  I love urban fantasy particularly when it is real world vs Faerie World.  The majority of this book is set in the real world as Faerie princess Tania seeks the lost Queen Titania. I plan to read the rest of this series in 2013 :)

Purchase: Book Depository

7. The Ancient Future (The Dark Age #1) by Traci Harding

This is one of my most favourite series of all time and this is the book that started it all.  I first read this book in 1996 but it gets a re-read at least once every year.  Another  urban fantasy but this one involves time travel, Celtic mythology, gorgeous Welsh princes and best of all an Aussie heroine.

I really love this book and this series.

Purchase: Book Depository

6. Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine

Book 12 of this awesome series is my pick for spot number 6.  I thought nothing could beat #11 The Last Breath, which was, excuse the pun, breathtaking... Until I read this instalment.  This book is heavier and grittier than previous books.  It si like the danger and stakes have been lifted to a whole new level.  I really love this series and really need to get round to reading Bitter Blood, the next boiok in the series :)

Purchase: Book Depository

5. Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy #4) by Jennifer Estep

Yet another instalment of a series that has lifted the series to a whole new level.I just finished reading this a couple of weeks ago and will be posting a review before the end of the year.

Purchase: Book Depository

4. Emblaze (The Violet Eden Chapters #3) by Jessica Shirvington

This series has been out in Australia for a few years now but it wasn't till I saw a couple of reviews for Embrace and Entice (the first novels in this series) that I got around to reading it.  I have read a few series to do with angels and this is one of the better ones. This particular instalment I found to be more engaging and gripping than the previous two and that's why it is marginally my favourite over Entice.

Purchase: Book Depository

3. Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

This one is my favourite of the series mostly because of the kick ass cliff hanger it finishes with, leaving me drooling to read #3 Goddess Inheritance. I also think the storyline is more involved than the first book.

2. Before I wake (Soul Screamers #6)  by Rachel Vincent

This series in general was easily the one of the best series I read this year. When I received this particular instalment to read, I had to go out and the read the first 5 books which I did in about 4 days! Book 5, If I die, had been awesome. I mean it is hard to top the main character dying but somehow Before I Wake managed to be even better bringing together more elements and connecting more dots in a compelling storyline.


Purchase: Book Depository

1. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Another series about Angels and all I can say about this series, and this book in particular is WOW! I loved this book! It made me cry and left me hanging to read the concluding book Boundless which is due out in about 3 weeks! By far the best series instalment I have read all year!

Purchase: Book Depository

Don't forget to comment and let me know your top 10 for this year.