Waiting on Wednesday: Reached (1)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

It's my first ever "Waiting on Wednesday" post! Yaaaay! :"> My biggest thanks to Jill for this meme! :) 
For my first ever WoW, I'd like to share this book that I've been eagerly waiting for mooooonths! 


And of course, that would be...*drumroll*....REACHED! :D

Reached (Matched, #3)

Book-iography

Title: Reached
Author: Ally Condie
Published: November 13, 2012
Publisher: Dutton Children's Book
Type: Series (Matched #3)
Bookshelves: YA Books, Dystopia

Blurb:

Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.


In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

Thoughts! :'>

Is it Novermber yet? Is it November yet? :"> I love this series! I finished Crossed late April 2012 and felt broken as soon as I realized that the final book won't be released until the end of the year! :(( It actually took me at least 2-3 weeks before I recovered from my Matched hangover. =))) I just pray that Cassia and Ky won't be apart for too long. :( They've been separated in Crossed for quite a long time. :( Ally Condie...pretty please? :"> Hahaha! :D 76 daaaays to go! Can November get any sooner??? :'>


There's No Better Hiding Place than Jesus Christ


Hi guys, I woke up this morning feeling the need to share this song to you. I don't know what you're going through right now, but I know that each of us is facing his own storm of trials and problems. I don't know how heavy the burden you're carrying is, but God wants you to know that you can rest in Him. He said in His Word, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.-Matthew 11:28" 

You may be in the middle of a sea of problems right now, not knowing what to do. But you can freely run to Jesus Christ and find rest and peace in Him. You can cry your heart out to Jesus and you will find comfort in His loving arms. Cast all your worries, cares, and pain to God because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)


May you find encouragement through this song. I'm praying for all of you guyss. God bless you always! :)





HIDING PLACE
Steven Curtis Chapman

In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,
And I need to find a shelter
Before it starts to rain,
So I turn and run to you Lord;
You're the only place to go,
Where unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.

CHORUS
You're my hiding place;
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide;
Lord, in You I find my hiding place.

I'm not asking You to take away
My troubles, Lord,
'Cause it's through the stormy weather
I learn to trust You more.
And I thank You for Your promise;
I have come to know
Your unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.

(chorus)

So let Your people seek You
While You may be found,
'Cause You're our only refuge
When the rain comes pouring down.

(chorus)

=========================================
Steven Curtis Chapman is a Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Dad, Husband, Follower of Christ with the mission of Knowing God and making Him known. 

Steven Curtis Chapman returns with his new album re:creation. The new album features 5 new songs from Steven including the first single “Do Everything”, and all-new recordings of his 8 biggest hits. The entire album has a progressive and fresh acoustic sound, which reflects the energy and life found in the songs. The title speaks to the actual re:creation of these songs, which are re-imagined and re-recorded in a new musical space. More and most importantly though, the word re:creation speaks to the new life God is re-creating for Steven and his family as they walk forward in their lives. (Source: Steven Curtis Chapman Facebook Page)

=========================================
Dose of Encouragement is a feature in my blog that allows me to share God's Word, Christian Songs, Inspirational Stories, and my personal testimonies of God's faithfulness in my life. I pray that this blog feature will inspire and encourage you to walk with God! :) God bless us all! :)

Book Review: Spark

Book-iography

Title: Storm
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Format: E-book from NetGalley
Pages: 432
Type: Series (Elemental #2)
Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance
Read: August 21-22, 2012
Rating: 








What can I say?

Okay....This is hard. First of all, I give Spark a rating of 3.5 stars. (It's my first time to give a half star! Yey! I'm just not too sure whether it's good or not. One thing is for sure, though. I'm being generous with my stars! HA! :'>)

Second of all, please let me warn you that this is simply my analysis of Spark and the series as a whole. Please don't get mad at me. :) Heehee. :">

Okay, so here goes nothing. To be really, really, really honest with you guys, I've been trying hard but I just couldn't get into the series. I know everybody loves the Elemental Series or at least more or less 90% of the reviews said so, but for some reasons, I wasn't allured to join the bandwagon. I know, I know. You're all wondering what has gotten into me. :| Sorry guys. I've tried and TRIED and still failed. Probably, it has something to do with the story. It could be more convenient if it was condensed into a 200-page book since the gist of the story is at the last 50+ pages. I think we could do away with the other 100+ pages. Haha. Just sayin'. Sorry :'>

Anyway, moving on to Spark...I should say it is better than Storm! :) It drives a whole lot of emotion from its readers. You would really feel for Gabriel Merrick--his pain, hurts, irritation, agitation, and what have you. It's heartwarming to know that beyond those muscles of strength, anger, and rejection,  there's a loving twin who wants nothing but the safety of his family and loved ones. I bet many would fall head over heels with Gabriel. Sad to say he's taken. Haha! =))

It's quite a good book, but I just had a couple of issues with it. First was Nick. Whatever happened to Nick? >:(< The last time I checked he was a good twin. *sobsob* What happened? *sobsob* And what did I miss in Storm that I didn't see Nick and _____ coming together? I even thought it was Gabriel and ____! Well that was what I got from Storm. Anyway, second was Becca. Whatever happened to Becca? Err. She seemed different. And Layne? Yeah, is she Elemental? No idea--not answered in the book. T.T

OH! Before I forget, the half-star goes to....*drumroll*.....Gabriel! :"> His love for his brothers is simply heroic. :)

See this review on Goodreads! :)

Book Review: Storm (Elemental #1)

Book-iography

Title: Storm
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Format: E-book
Pages: 418
Type: Series (Elemental #1)
Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal Romance
Read: August 9-12, 2012
Rating: 








What can I say?

Please forgive me. Am I the only who isn't screaming "AMAZING! FANTASTIC! WHOOOOA!"?

Oookay. Please don't get me wrong. I enjoyed reading Storm, but somehow it didn't penetrate my "inner-self" that deeply. There was too much unsettled issues and ill-defined stand. I was really confused :( I mean, Becca, herself, IS confused.  Sorry, but it pains me so much to love Chris because I don't want to get my heart broken in the end. :( There wasn't a clear path who's who or which is which. Chris? Hunter? Chris? Hunter? Chris? Hunter? Oh please. The book ended without any "clear" answer. :( Sure the ending was a major "awww <3," but I'm too scared to even give in to that. :P And Oh! One more thing: it's 3rd Person POV. :/

BUT take heart Storm-lovers. I actually DID like the mind-bending suspense that Brigid Kemmerer built in determining the Guide. HAHA. I enjoyed that part. :D It left me and my mind wracked. :)) BTW, a Guide  is a Fifth Elemental. He controls all the other elements (Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth). The Guides are sent to destroy the Pure Elementals, those who have full control on one of the elements. However, Pure Elementals are sought to be dangerous and aren't allowed to live. When one is discovered, a Guide is immediately sent to destroy the Pure Elemental. Unfortunately, Chris and his three other brothers are Pure Elementals and nothing can truly satisfy their enemies than to see Chris and his brothers...dead. X| Anyway, that's where the Guide, Becca, Hunter come to the picture. So it will be:
Chris + Becca + Hunter + 3 brothers + Guide. 

The most interesting part is the Guide. :) Is s/he one of them? O.O You'll never know 'til you read it. :) 

Many questions and issues will be left unanswered. Let's just hope for the best that Spark (Elemental #2)--which will be released on August 28--has the answers. :)

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! ;)

laurice-with-love <3
See this review on Goodreads! :)

Book Review: Wilde's Army


Book-iography

Title: Wilde's Fire
Author: Krystal Wade
Published: July 4, 2012
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Format: Ebook from NetGalley
Pages: 140
Type: Series, Darkness Falls #2
Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal
Read: August 7-8, 2012
Rating: 

What can I say?

What can I say? What can I say?

I am DEFINITELY LOVING this series!

Remember my review about Wilde's Fire having substance? Yeah? Well, there's more! This book doesn't just have substance, but values as well! I should say, this book is very decent! I seriously recommended it to all ages! Trust me, it won't give you an eerie feeling when reading that part (you'll know what I mean when you get there :P).

Wilde's Army picks up where Wilde's Fire ended. Everyone is gone, even Arland. They've all been taken away by the daemons, but Kate is left in Watcher's Hall, unharmed and protected. Someone hid her from the daemons, but who? Then Perth, the Ground Dweller whom Kate is forced to marry, sees her. She isn't alone after all. Kate doesn't love Perth, in fact, she doesn't trust him at all. Everybody in Encardia doesn't trust the Ground Dwellers because they are evil. They use their magic against nature. But Perth offers to help Kate save everybody else. How come Perth wasn't taken by the daemons? Can Kate trust him? Or does Perth have any hidden motives for his actions? 

The tension rises when everybody gets to Willow Falls. Their stay there can make or break the future of Encardia. While Arland and Kate are destined to be Bound (a.k.a. married), Perth's father, Dufaigh, will do everything in his power to stop it. Dufaigh thirsts for power that only Kate can give. And Kate's marriage to Perth is what he needs to prevent Arland from being the High Leader and to secure the position to Perth. So once they reach Willow Falls, Dufaigh will rush everybody for Kate and Perth's marriage. Aaaah! And the problem doesn't even end there. Once Dufaigh learns that Kate is in love with Arland and not with this son, he won't let a second pass without Arland's cold body in his hand. *creepy* 

Ookay. There's still another burden to carry. Kate has to unite everybody: the Light Lovers, Sea Dwellers, and Ground Dwellers. Given the fact that the Light Lovers and the Ground Dwellers are in war for centuries, uniting them is close to impossible. Will Kate be able to unite Dufaigh (the man who wants to use her for power), High Leade Maher (Arland's father who keeps something from them), and Murchadha (the Leader of Sea Dweller who lies to Arland)? Or will she face the Darkness alone?

Krystal Wade amazes me once again in Wilde's Army! :) Brace yourself for a creepier, more exciting, and more heart pounding paranormal romance! :) I can't believe Wilde's Meadow won't be out 'til Novembeeer! O.O I can't wait! @.@

Enjoy reading! :) God bless you! :)

MAJOR LESSONS LEARNED

1. Save yourself for marriage! ;)
True! When you save yourself for marriage, the bond is truly pure and intact. Just like Kate and _______, their bond isn't like any other. It's so strong, so pure, and so powerful! I believe the same thing applies in real life. Love that transcends bodily desires is so pure that the bond between the couple would be unbreakable. :)

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." 

-Hebrew 13:4

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

-Mark 10:9
2. Don't just conform with the general trend. Stand up for the truth!
A lot of the Draiochtans, Light Lovers and Groud Dwellers alike, have simply conformed with the majority. Centuries have passed, yet they allowed Foghlad and Dufaigh to take over them. They allowed fear to take control. They did nothing, though they knew they were treading the wrong path. But Kate is different. With all the courage she has, she stands up and fights for the truth!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
-Philippians 4:8

laurice-with-love <3
Check this review on Goodreads! :)

The Filipino Spirit: Rising above the Storm

(C)  annamarri

To our beloved neighbors in the world, 

As you have probably heard in the news, a number of provinces and cities in the Philippines are placed under  a state of calamity. Due to the 11-day non-stop rain caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Saola, Metro Manila and its neighboring regions are now experiencing heavy floods. As of Wednesday (August 8, 2012), 850,000 families are battling the horrors of a neck-deep flood and a strong current. More than 60, 000 families have been evacuated, but others are still suffering on their roofs or inside their flooded houses.


(C) GMA News 8/7/12
(C) GMA News 8/7/12
(C) GMA News 8/8/12
But one thing that I'm truly proud of and very thankful for is the FILIPINO SPIRIT. In the midst of trials and heavy storms, the Filipinos remain standing hand-in-hand. We abandon no one. Out of our comfort zones, we take the risk and reach out to others. We may lose our furniture, cars, or houses, but we'll never lose FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. We'll simply smile through pain and trust that there'll always be a brighter day. And in hard times like this, our true Filipino identity radiates throughout world. Identity of a TRUE BLOODED FILIPINO (by heart or by blood).




I humbly ask for everyone's prayers. Please pray for the Philippines and all those who are affected by the heavy flood. We thank God for His protection over every Filipino people. It is only by God's Grace that we stand. He is our shelter, our delieverer, our protector, our refuge, our Saviour! We place our trust in God alone! God bless the Philippines! God bless the world!




"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, 

    my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91: 1-2


Book Review: Wilde's Fire


Book-iography

Title: Wilde's Fire
Author: Krystal Wade
Published: May 13, 2012
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Format: Ebook from NetGalley
Pages: 146
Type: Series, Darkness Falls #1
Bookshelves: YA Books, Paranormal
Read: August 3-6, 2012
Rating: 

What can I say?

This book is F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.!

Honestly, I liked this book. Though I've read a lot of typos and negative reviews about it, it didn't stop me from reading and enjoying Wilde's Fire! :) 

When I read YA books, I read it like I'm reading Shakespeare! I delve into the words until I get its meaning, significance, and implications in the real world. And to tell you the truth, THIS BOOK HAS SUBSTANCE! :)

This story reveals us the true identity of Kate and how her life can save her world.

Kate goes camping with her younger sister Brit and bestfriend Brad in Goat Ridge, their "secret" camping site. Along the hike, Kate experiences five of the weirdest things on earth. First, she sees another dream. This is just one of the thousands of dreams (or should I say, nightmares) she has been experiencing for the last six years. Most of her nightmares show horrifying creatures killing Arland, the love of her life whom she hasn't met. Will Kate hold on to Arland even if she sees him only in her dreams?

Second is Brad's actions. They've been the best of friends since childhood. He hasn't shown any interest in Kate, but during the hike, he's been acting differently. He starts to show signs that are new to their friendship. Will he finally confess his love for Kate? Will they be a couple?

Third is the yellow light. While on camp, Kate sees a yellow light. She ignores it because others won't believe her. At midnight, the yellow light shows up again. This time it leads Kate to the swimming hole. Can she trust the yellow light?

Fourth is the portal. When Kate, Brit, and Brad go to the swimming hole, the yellow light appears again. It directs them to what appears to be an underwater cave. Unfortunately, it's not. It's a portal connecting two worlds: Earth and Encardia. 

Fifth is Encardia. Darkness has subdued Encardia for almost 20 years. It kills everything that has life, destroys nature, and hides sunlight. What will you do if all your nightmares are true? The monsters, the people, the killings...they're all true.

What will you do if 20 years of your life was only a lie? If you discover that you're the only one who can save your own world? If your family and bestfriend are in danger? And if the only key to rekindle your power is unknown?

Wilde's Fire is a hair-raising-fast-paced-fantasy-action that will make your heart pound like there's no tomorrow! So visual was the writing that you will feel the terror of the war creep through your senses! I can't wait to read the sequel!

Enjoy reading! God bless you!

Major Lessons Learned

1. Learn to value Nature and things of little or great value before it's too late. 
The two worlds gave me this insight. Encardia was under the power of Darkness for almost 20 years. Everything that has life died: the trees, the insects, even the people. The survivors had to protect and value everything that was left. They saw the food as if it were the last drop of water in the desert. 

A complete opposite of this was life on Earth. Here, we have everything we need for survival: the sun, the rivers, the trees, the air, the animals, the fishes, the people.....and the list goes on. But we squander it all like we have an unlimited resources. We exploit what natural resources we have! 

I pray that we don't have to experience the same suffering in Encardia before we realize how blessed we are for our Nature! Let's start to value our environment. Little actions count!

2. Pure love is the key.
[If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3]
Even if you have all the riches and powers of this world, but if you don't have love, it will be nothing. We should remember that from pure love springs forth justice, peace, forgiveness, unity, and joy. But we must surrender ourselves to the source of Pure Love, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, just as Kate submitted to source of True Light and Love.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8


laurice-with-love <3
Check this review on Goodreads! :)

I Pledge: YA August 2012 Releases

The Long Wait Is Over Meme

"The Long Wait is Over: I Pledge" is a monthly feature hosted here by me, Laurice. :'>
This features our much-awaited YA books that'll be released in each month. :">
To save you guys from the trouble of surfing different sites, let me do it for you! ;)

To add some fun and excitement, you must post at least one of your most anticipated book of the month and PLEDGE to read it before the month ends. :) This helps us keep our bookshelves updated! :D 

Ready to have some fun? :">

1. Simply browse through my "YA August 2012 Releases" post and find your most awaited book of the month! :)
2. Put your name and url on the Mister Linky's widget at the end of the post.
3. Copy the "The Long Wait is Over" button and paste it in the HTML area of your post:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauricenicole/7690646418/" title="The Long Wait Is Over Meme by lauricenicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7690646418_3ce4439ffe.jpg" width="400" height="237" alt="The Long Wait Is Over Meme"></a>

4. You're now ready to shout "I PLEDGE!" :">
5. Ooooh! BTW, don't forget to leave some comments and check the "Pledged Books" of other bloggers. :)
6. Have fun! :D

Let's get started! ;) God bless us all! :) Enjoy Reading! :">

I PLEDGE

Spark (Elemental, #2)

Title: Spark
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: August 28
Publisher: K-Teen
Type: Series (Elemental #2)
Links: Goodreads 

Wheeeee. :"> I'm so excited to read Spark! :D I've read a lot of good reviews about Spark and I just can't waiiiit to review it myself! :">

What do you pledge? :)
Check my list below and "Pledge" a good book this August! :) 

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YA August 2012 Releases

Skylark (The Skylark Trilogy #1)

August 1

Title: Skylark
Author: Meagan Spooner
Published: August 1
Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab
Type: Series (Skylark #1)
Links: Goodreads 

-----------------------------------------------
Sixteen year-old Lark Ainsley has never seen the sky. 
Her world ends at the edge of the vast domed barrier of energy enclosing all that’s left of humanity. For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it’s Lark’s turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it’s been stripped.
Forced to flee the only home she knows to avoid life as a human battery, Lark must fight her way through the terrible wilderness beyond the edge of the world. With the city’s clockwork creations close on her heels and a strange wild boy stalking her in the countryside, she must move quickly if she is to have any hope of survival. She’s heard the stories that somewhere to the west are others like her, hidden in secret – but can she stay alive long enough to find them?

Losing Lila (Lila, #2)

August 2

Title: Losing Lila
Author: Sarah Alderson
Published: August 2
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Type: Series (Lila #2)
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------
Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which somehow is managing to track their every move. Whilst Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila’s only thought is of finding a way back to California so that she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they’re being held. Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the people she’s come to think of as family, Lila plans not just to save her brother and mother, but to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return alone to California, make friends with the enemy, and to risk losing everything - Alex, her family, and even her life

The Waiting SkyTitle: The Waiting Sky
Author: Lara Zielin
Published: August 2
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------
One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane's life for the better.
Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can't quite admit her mother's alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane's best friend.
Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty--is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.



Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)

August 7

Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah Maas
Published: August 7
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Type: Series (Throne of Glass #1)
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Wake (Watersong, #1)
Title: Wake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Published: August 7
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Type: Series (Watersong #1)
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------


Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.
Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.



Auracle
Title: Auracle
Author: Gina Rosati
Published: August 7
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Type: Stand alone 
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------
16 year old Anna Rogan has a secret she's only shared with her best friend, Rei; she can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to explore the world and the far reaches of the universe.
When there's a fatal accident and her classmate Taylor takes over Anna's body, what was an exhilarating distraction from her repressive home life threatens to become a permanent state. Faced with a future trapped in another dimension, Anna turns to Rei for help. Now the two of them must find a way to get Anna back into her body and stop Taylor from accusing an innocent friend of murder. Together Anna and Rei form a plan but it doesn't take into account the deeper feelings that are beginning to grow between them.



Glitch (Glitch, #1)
Title: Glitch
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Published: August 7
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Type: Series (Glitch #1)
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.



Kissing Shakespeare

August 14

Title: Kissing Shakespeare
Author: Pamela Mingle
Published: August 14
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
-----------------------------------------------
Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school's staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide. 
Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda to use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lose its greatest playwright. 
Miranda isn't convinced she's the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it's her only chance of getting back to the present and her "real" life. What Miranda doesn't bargain for is finding true love . . . with no acting required.



Touched
Title: Touched
Author: Cyn Balog
Published: August 14
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Type: Series
Links: Goodreads 
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Nick Cross always listens to the voice in his head. Because if he doesn't? Things can go really, really wrong. Like the day he decided to go off script and saved a girl from being run over . . . and let another one drown. Trying to change the future doesn't work.
But this summer at the Jersey Shore, something's about to happen that Nick never could have predicted. He meets a girl named Taryn and finds out about the Book of Touch. Now the path that he thought he was on begins to shift . . . and there's no way to stop things from happening. Or is there? 
In a life where there are no surprises, nothing has prepared Nick for what he's about to discover--or the choice he will be forced to make. . . .




Onyx (Lux, #2)

Title: Onyx
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Published: August 14
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Type: Series (Lux #2)
Links: Goodreads 
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Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.
Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.



The Unnaturalists
Title: The Unnaturalists
Author: Tiffany Trent
Published: August 14
Publisher: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
Type: Series 
Links: Goodreads 
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In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.
Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.
As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.



The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies, #3)

August 21

Title: The Rise of Nine
Author: Pittacus Lore
Published: August 21
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Series (Lorien Legacies #3)
Links: Goodreads 
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Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.
Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .
I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.
But so are they. 
They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They caught me in New York--but I escaped. I am Number Six. They want to finish what they started. But they'll have to fight us first.


 Beautiful Lies

Title: Beautiful Lies
Author: Jessica Warman
Published: August 21
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
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Rachel and Alice are an extremely rare kind of identical twins—so identical that even their aunt and uncle, whom they’ve lived with since their parents passed away, can’t tell them apart. But the sisters are connected in a way that goes well beyond their surfaces: when one experiences pain, the other exhibits the exact same signs of distress. So when one twin mysteriously disappears, the other immediately knows something is wrong—especially when she starts experiencing serious physical traumas, despite the fact that nobody has touched her. As the search commences to find her sister, the twin left behind must rely on their intense bond to uncover the truth. But is there anyone around her she can trust, when everyone could be a suspect? And ultimately, can she even trust herself? Master storyteller Jessica Warman will keep readers guessing when everything they see—and everything they are told—suddenly becomes unreliable in this page-turning literary thriller.

The Raft

Title: The Raft
Author: S.A. Bodeen
Published: August 21
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
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Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft. And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.


 Enshadowed (Nevermore, #2)

August 28

Title: Enshadowed
Author: Kelly Creagh
Published: August 28
Publisher: Atheneum
Type: Series (Nevermore #2)
Links: Goodreads 
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Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.
Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.


Inbetween (Kissed by Death, #1)
Title: Inbetween
Author: Tara Fuller
Published: August 28
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Type: Series (Kissed by Death #1)
Links: Goodreads 
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Since the car crash that took her father’s life two years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option. 

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left...his soul.



Every DayTitle: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Published: August 28
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
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Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 
Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.
With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.



If I Lie
Title: If I Lie
Author: Corrine Jackson
Published: August 28
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Type: Stand alone
Links: Goodreads 
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A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.
Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.


Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.



Spark (Elemental, #2)
Title: Spark
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: August 28
Publisher: K-Teen
Type: Series (Elemental #2)
Links: Goodreads 
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Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.
Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.
Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.
More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.
Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.
The fuse is lit…


Defiance (Defiance, #1)
Title: Defiance
Author: C.J. Redwine
Published: August 28
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Type: Series (Defiance #1)
Links: Goodreads 
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Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.


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