Foretelling Fridays - Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Goddess by Josephine Angelini

Expected Publication: May 28, 2013

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

My Reaction: Hi there. First off, how do you say "OMG THAT COVER IS SO GORGEOUS THOSE COLORS." Furthermore, "I LOVE GREEK MYTHS." And finally, "SO MUCH ROMANTIC TENSION." I am nearly paralyzed. I have to say, Starcrossed didn't truly impress me until I read Dreamless and from there....geez. I really can't wait to see what happens between all the Scion houses and Helen and Lucas, and the poor little oracle, and Helen and Lucas, and Orion, and Helen and Lucas, and well yeah. Basically lots of Helen and Lucas. 

Foretelling Fridays - Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) -

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Expected Publication: April 2, 2013

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats

My reaction: 

Whoa, the release date is coming up! <jumps up and down> For those who read and loved Grave Mercy, you know why this book is going to be so incredibly exciting. I have to admit, for the first book, I sold my soul and surrendered to the book when I heard assassin. Ladies trained to kill people by turning their own male idiocy and greedy, lusty nature (mwahaha, but I am sorry for the rare noble, gallant gentlemen out there) against them is an awesome concept. While, I'm a little sad the main character won't be Ismae again along with Gabriel, I am exceedingly content with reading about Sybella. She was last seen suffering in d'Albret's household and I have a feeling this will be an emotionally heavy read, especially with the fact that he is an absolute psychopath. While Ismae was an assassin who underwent childhood trauma, comapared to Sybella, she was a hopeful and bright person who found love and blah blah. Sybella is a much darker character shrouded in mystery, and as will, I believe, make Dark Triumph an absolutely engrossing read. (PS. I am thrilled to be reading about the Beast, I loved him in the first book). 

Foretelling Fridays - The Elite (Selection #2)

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Expected Release Date: April 23, 2013

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestsellerThe Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Reaction: 

Well now. I hate love triangles don't I? I do. With a passion. Yet this one caught my attention and really wouldn't let me go. On this one, I can't decide. Predicting who the protagonist will end with is usually easy. Yet on this one, I actually can'f figure it out. Throw in an ending for the previous book where nothing is sure, and all of a sudden getting my hands on this book is of the uttermost importance. There are times when the first book felt like a season of The Bachelor, but there is a lot more at stake here. And who can forget the beautiful covers. All of that together, makes this a book to remember, because to sum it up, we have a fight to be princess, beautiful dresses, a handsome prince, a gorgeous old friend/guard, and a full-scale rebellion. The palace is full of secrets and I can't wait to learn them all in this next release. 

Foretelling Fridays - Let The Sky Fall

Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger 

Expected Release Date: March 5th, 2013

Goodreads Summary: 

A broken past and a divided future can’t stop the electric connection of two teens in this “charged and romantic” (Becca Fitzpatrick), lush novel.

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them

My reaction: 

This is a book I am really eagerly anticipating. For a number of reasons. I guess the first is the cover, I mean come on, is that not awesome or what? Plus the title, I mean yeah Adele song and all, but I just really like it. Then, beyond the superficial "read a book by the cover" which I must admit I do sometimes, the story just seems awesome. Sylphs, yeah that's right air elementals. No vampire, angel, demon, werewolf nonsense. Plus dual POV. Watching two sides of the love story and then seeing them fall together is always one of the best parts of dual POV. I like dual POV more than singular, just because it makes the story so much more interesting. Rather than seeing the inside of the head of one character, and then the aloof other character, you can understand both characters better. Another interesting point, the supernatural half, of the couple is actually the female. Who doesn't love an awesome, strong female character?  And finally, forbidden romance. Yeah whatever, whatever. Overdone? If you say so. But I am a total sucker for anything forbidden. What does that say about me? I don't know. But I do know I am absolutely thrilled that this book is coming out.