Cover Reveal: Bitterblue!!!!!!

Note that "Bitterblue!!!!!!" had more exclamation points than "Inheritance!!!!!"

Hey Blogger Buds,
Sorry for missing another day. That's going to be happening a lot more often, as classes get rougher, finished drafts become more real concepts, and Glee keeps airing. (Oh Em Glee, I am the only one who is in absolute heart with Beth?) (And I am the only one who wants Kristin Chenowith to change her mind and come guest star...in the same episode as Idina Menzel?)

But today is not about TV. It is about books. A book from Most Awesome Author Ever, actually.
Kristen Cashore unveiled Bitterblue today.
Add it on Goodreads.
Kristin's original post.

Let's have a reminder of the other covers, shall we?

And now....

*dies*

Ready for the customary cover analysis?

• It's blue. And purple. And, in my opinion, those colors always look perfect together.
• It has a whole face (sorta), not just an eye, like Graceling (even though the eye is focused on) or a mouth, like Fire.
• Gorgeous border. I love those flowers, and the pattern at the top and bottom.
• The keys! *moans* The keys! Initially, I was upset that the book didn't feature a weapon. (They've covered most of the basics already. What was I expecting? A rifle?) But, upon closer inspection, I've decided that I really don't want to be hit in the face with one of those. *shudders* *stares at spikiness* *shudders again* I'm kind of scared to see what the locks those keys match look like. And what do those locks keep...?
• *studied key heads* I wonder what significance they'll be...?
• Overall, I think this cover is more complex that Graceling's and Fire's. I think because it was white, Graceling seems to me like beautiful simplicity. Fire is a bit more detailed because of the coloring and the two-part weapon, but Bitterblue features THREE things, which makes it seem more detailed to me.
• Upon closer inspection, I've noticed that there is a second eye hidden behind some flowers. And the two eyes appear to be different colors....*speculates*
• My one tiny issue: I hate that the fonts don't match on the books. They're all the same font, but they're all different sizes and stuff. >< Still heart Bitterblue, though. Alone, it's perfect.

Okay, that's all. I'm in love. Amazing cover. One last thing before I say adios for the evening. All three covers together:

Next up: foreign editions!!!! (I can't wait!)

Peace and keys,

Riv

*Graceling and Fire pictures from Goodreads. Bitterblue cover from Kristin's blog.

Books I'm Really Looking Forward To

Hey Blogger Buds,
I can't remember the last post I devoted to unreleased books. Here's a couple I'm going to keel up and die if they don't come out soon for me to get my hands on them. All links lead to Goodreads. Summaries are courtesy of Goodreads, as well.
I'm going in order of publication (if they have a date), not most-wanted. I'm going to post the book, author release date, summary, and my thoughts.

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (October 4)
Their love was meant to be.
When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.
But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.
-I started reading this on Inkpop, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (October 18)
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. (cont. on Goodreads)

-I think we need a nickname for Julie Kagawa. Like...J-Kag. So, J-Kag is awesome. I'm DYING for this. Slowly and painfully DYING.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (Octover 18)
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

-Do I really need to explain? Maggie!

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini (November 8)

Not so very long ago, Eragon Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider, was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.
Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.  (cont. on Goodreads)

-It's the end of a saga that has spanned...how many years? I lost track. The final book is finally here! (It's a miracle.)

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh (January 17)

While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”
(cont. on Goodreads)

-I can summarize this in one word: NEED! Nevermore is one of my most favoritest books ever.

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton (February 14)

Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined. Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.
She’s been warned.
(Cont. on Goodreads)

-I adore C.A.M. and all things Angelfire. 2012 can't come fast enough!

Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore

There isn't much info yet, but I seriously need more Bitterblue, as well as more Katsa, Po, and co.!

Source

What other bookish wonders are going to crop up?

What are YOU looking forward to?

Peace and release dates,

Riv

Current Music: Crazy by Simple Plan (I'm going crazy with desire for these books!)

Memorial Day, Babies, and Graceling (What a Combo!)

Hello all of my little blogging friends!
I've got a couple of things to say today.

1) I just read this wonderful and very funny blog post written by the darling Emilia Plater over at YA Highway. It's called....
What to Expet When You're Expecting...A BOOK
It's comparing kids to books. For example, they both keep you up half the night. (I should know, I've got experience on both sides of the spectrum, and I assure you I've never been a book.)

2)While cruising some blogs, I picked up some Memorial Day themed stuff.
First off, I have this little video from my glorious buddy, YouTube.


Next is a poem from Photobucket:


And finally, a Vietnam-themed song that I have stuck in my head. It's called "White Boots Marching in a Yellow Land". It's anti-war, by Phil Ochs (unless you're over 40 or me, I doubt you've heard of him)
Now, the only version I could find on YouTube was by this kid who got the lyrics wrong, so find your older brother/dad/mom/best friend's mom/neighbor/old age home and ask someone to sing it for you. Meanwhile, here are the lyrics, courtesy of Metro Lyrics

Lyrics | Phil Ochs Lyrics | White Boots Marching in a Yellow Land Lyrics

Now, if you thought that was actually it, you were WRONG! I've got another Ochs song, Is There Anybody Here? Once again, go find someone old to sing it to you.


Lyrics | Phil Ochs Lyrics | Is There Anybody Here Lyrics

And, I'd like to say that my grand-dad, RIP, was a soldier in WWII (I think). I didn't know him that well, and haven't heard any of his stories, unfortunately. He passed away last November.

And here's a flag:


3) (Finally!) Yesterday I forgot to post this question for my Graceling review, so it's here today. Quite an obvious question, actually:

If you could have any Grace, what would it be? And, what colors would your eyes be?

Peace and HAPPY M-DAY

Current Music: White Boots Marching in  Yellow Land by Phil Ochs

Current Mood: I haz a cold.

Graceling Review

I'd just like to start out with saying that I loved this book. I recently finished Fire, and, as usual, I'm going to review the first book in the series. Actually, the two work as stand-alones, but I just love Kristin's books too much to stop reading them. The second book, Fire, which I just finished, takes place roughly 35 years before Graceling. Reading it first is slightly spoilery. Bitterblue, scheduled, according to goodreads.com, to come out on April 1st (I'm not sure how definite this is) is still being written and takes place 6 years after Graceling. Fire lived up to my expectations, and if you've read one you should definitely read the other.


Blurby:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme, and in her case horrifying, skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace — or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.


Review:
There have been many great reviews for this book, and they're well-deserved. I may have mentioned this before, but often fantasy is plot- not character-driven. Here, much of what happens is Katsa and Po's own doing.
Katsa is a independent, fearsome and capable. Graceling is one of the rare reads that is slightly feminist. Meaning, when it comes to Katsa versus Po, she can beat him easily. Usually, the girl has to depend on the guy to help her, but not here.
You can see how Katsa and Po's relationship grows. That part is interesting.  It was kind of obvious, but it came about in an interesting way. The way Po braves it and admits he loves her is just....intense. I'd say more on this topic, but that would be spoilery, so I'll just say that he knows that she feels the same.
Even before they officially fall in love, he's so protective over her, even when she is more capable than him. They're perfect together :) Her refusal to marry is just an interesting tidbit thrown in.
There are twists and turns along the way, and many problems the two have to face. Those are plot-driven, but the duo take care of them well. Many books have predictable endings. But Graceling had a perfect ending. My only complaint is that I didn't want it to end.
Overall, I loved it.
********** 10 stars. WHY AREN'T YOU READING THIS RIGHT NOW!?!?!?
Visit Kristin Cashore at her blog, This Is My Secret.


Current Music: One- Glee version
Current Mood: BBQing. (or preparing to)


Peace