Books I Adopted This Week

Wow, have you been loving this weather as much as I have? I've been spending as much time as feasibly possible outside this week - usually with a book! I've received a handful of review titles which thrill and intrigue me in equal measure, so without further ado...

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human. Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures that are terrifying, beautiful and deadly - all of which perfectly describe her new 'friend' Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire. It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never - ever - rub the genie's lamp.

Published by Orbit 5th August 2010

Now this one looks amazing! The cover is simply stunning. I've been lucky enough to receive a very early edition ARC of this and shall be dipping into it just as soon as I can clear my schedule a little. I am a big fan of the Sookie Stackhouse series and this book is being touted as something that fans of Charlaine Harris will also love.

iBoy by Kevin Brooks

Before the attack, sixteen-year-old Tom Harvey was just an ordinary boy. But now fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain and it's having an extraordinary effect ...Because now Tom has powers. The ability to know and see more than he could ever imagine. And with incredible power comes knowledge - and a choice. Seek revenge on the violent gangs that rule his estate and assaulted his friend Lucy, or keep quiet? Tom has control when everything else is out of control. But it's a dangerous price to pay. And the consequences are terrifying...

Published by Puffin on 1st July 2010

I've had a quick look at the press release with this one, and noticed that it is being touted as tapping into a rising trend of superheroes and ordinary people doing the right thing (such as Kick Ass). To me, this makes it instantly more attractive as a read and, being slim, means I'm more likely to pick this up sooner rather than later.

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

Published by Simon & Schuster on 19th August 2010

I have to confess Philippa Gregory is not my favourite of the historical novelists writing at the moment. Plus, I have tried a couple of her previous novels (The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover) and didn't find them particularly gripping. I am prepared to try another one, especially since this novel deals with the dying days of the War of the Roses - a part of history that I adore. There is massive publicity surrounding this book, so be prepared to hear a lot about it over the next month or so!

Wicked Games by Sasha Wagstaff

Feuding families, star-crossed lovers...let the fireworks begin! Debonair and dynamic, millionaire Judd Harrington is back at Brockett Hall. With his socialite wife and family in tow, he's returned from LA a glittering success. But as he stares across the valley at Lochlin Maguire's beautiful country house, all he can think of is revenge. Meanwhile Judd's arch-rival has troubles of his own. Lochlin's record label is losing major talent to an unknown competitor, his wife Tavvy is distracted and he can't seem to see eye to eye with his son Shay. And, unbeknownst to Lochlin, his talented singer daughter Iris has fallen for irresistible racing driver Ace Harrington out in LA. Ace is under orders from Judd to break Iris's heart. What he hadn't bargained for was losing his own in the process. Can he go against his father's wishes? Or will Judd's wicked games ruin love's young dream?

Published by Headline on 8th July 2010

I am a HUGE fan of Jilly Cooper and Fiona Walker and have read that this book follows in their steamy footprints. It sounds big, bold and very sexy - and ideal for this beautiful summer weather we've been having. Imagine lying on a gorgeous silvery sandy beach, with palm trees waving gently in a soft breeze, a cocktail at your side - this would be the sort of book to be reading then! I requested this from the publisher to review and I'm very excited about getting started on it!

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Like everyone born after The Shift, sixteen year-old Aura can see and talk to ghosts. Persistent, and often angry, some even on the verge of becoming Shades, these violet-hued spirits are constantly talking to her, following her, and demanding her help to make amends for their untimely deaths. Aura has always found this mysterious ability annoying and wished she could find a way to reverse it. She'd much rather the ghosts left her alone so she could spend time with her boyfriend, Logan. But when Logan dies suddenly and unexpectedly, Aura is forced to reconsider her connections with the dead... and the living. Surely a violet-hued spirit Logan is better than no Logan at all, isn't it?

Published by Simon Pulse on 2nd September 2010

The current trend for supernatural teens shows no signs of abating, but this particular story really appeals. I like the idea of Aura having to come to terms with the loss of her boyfriend and trying to decide whether there is any way at all she is able to stay with him. Love from beyond the grave, as it were... Since this one has a fairly long lead-time, I won't be reviewing it for a month or so but definitely look out for a review later this year.

So... are there any books amongst these that you're waiting for, or think will be particularly good? As always, I treasure your participation in my blog with comments!