In My Mailbox (2) And a Survey!

What, you might ask?  Well, I recently just did a IMM not even a week ago.  Why would I be doing another?  Don't you have all those other books to read?  Is she crazy?  Well, that possibly might be true, especially when it comes to books.  And yes, I do have all those other books to read.  But let me explain myself.
Yesterday, while having an awesome time with the fam in Indiana, I went to the mall.  Specifically, I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble because I've had a $25 gift card just sitting there in my wallet and I really wanted to go.  I practically force my mom to stop by the local BAM store we have in New Jersey, even if I'm not going to buy any books.
So, with gift card in hand, I just about ran though those B&N doors and looked for the YA section.  That had to be the hardest thing to find in my life.  I'm not used to a B&N layout and since that was the second time I've ever been in B&N, you can imagine my situation.  I felt as if I was drowning with all those books on the shelves, lost and craving to buy books.  But it was a good feeling.
What did I get??  I got:

The cover of Croak is so, so, sooooo shiny!  I've heard it's quite reflective, but I didn't think it was THAT reflective.  All of these covers are so awesome in their own ways.  Illuminate and A Temptation of Angles are so pretty and Croak just looks totally awesome and while Grave Mercy looks totally amazing.  It's breathtaking and just seems as if it's all kick ass and no joke. 

Which cover do you think is the prettiest?  And it doesn't have to be from this post; it's all the covers of 2012.  Tell me what you think in the comments box below and the book that gets the most Pretty Votes, I will read and do a wonderful review for, unless I've already done it!

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A Surprise Review!

So today, my family and I traveled the great, straight roads from New Jersey to Indiana.  About 12 hours long and only three pit stops to stretch our legs and stuff our faces with food.  I prepared myself with two books and one galley on my laptop.  Afraid that I'd let my laptop die on the way, I picked up A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink and read it all the way through.  I was so proud I didn't get carsick.  Now that was a feat.
Now, to the review!
Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

I was actually afraid to but this book, not sure whether I'd like it or not.  So, I got this book along with Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer at my local library.  It's not that I don't like the Nighshade Series, but I'm waiting for it to come out on paperback, since all my other books in the series are paperback.
I don't think the book right out tells you that it takes place in Victorian London and is steampunk-ish.  You find that out pretty fast.  It's not the happiest of all beginning, nor is it uneventful.  Bam!  As soon as you turn the first page, you're sent back in time to this house that is one fire.  It caught my attention right from the start. 
Helen, the main character, escapes the buring house and locates these two brothers using this letter her mother wrote for her before she died.  Ooooh.  Insert dreamy sigh here.  Griffin, one of the Channing brothers, is one of THOSE characters.  I'm still keeping Duncan from Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe as the swoony-worthy guy for the month, but man, was Griffin everything I could ever wish for in YA fiction.  I wish he were mine, but alas, he is fictional.

Continuing, this book was filled to the brim with action that had my heart racing.  If this were a Kick-Ass Character meme, Helen would so be my pick.  She was independent, especially so for someone that was raised to be semi-ladylike/trained fighter.  Her parents die, she finds out she's one of the last Keepers, decendants of angels essencially, and she's got some lovey feelings for Griffin...and someone else, but I won't tell!  A love triangle actually complimented this book than they do for most.  I was just CRAVING for them to kiss!  And when they did, I smiled, sighed, and read on because--whew--it was cute.

To Michelle Zink, you proved me wrong, and I'm glad you did.  You'd think I'd have learned my lesson about not juding a book by my first impression, but I haven't.  Proabably never will stop, but at least I read a whole bunch of books, including the ones I'm reluctant to read.  You are definitely an author to look out for, Miss Zink. 

I believe this is a standalone novel.  There really wasn't much left for readers to wonder about at the end.  Everything was resolved and said love triangle is resolved.  It pestered me because usually when the first guy is introduced as the love interest, I root for him rather than the other, unless the author doesn't want me to like said first guy.

I give this book a solid 5 stars.  It was perfection and a very entertaining read.  This is an angel and demon kind of book, in case you didn't figure that out.  I highly recommend this book, and hope that others like it, too!  A book review for Bloodrose and Immortal Rules soon to come in the next few weeks or so.  Be on the lookout!