Must-Read Summer Books

I'm a firm believer that summer is the perfect time for reading- no matter what you're doing, everything just seems to slowww right down. School's out, people go on vacation, the days are longer, and staying up late doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
But there are SO many books out there, and only so much time - which ones are perfect for this lovely summer weather?
I'm sharing just some of my top picks for summer reading today, and while my list is by no means exhaustive or complete, here's a few that I think are totally worth picking up this season. Let me know which ones you've read, want to read, or even ones you think I missed!

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Perfect for: devotees of Sarah Dessen. People who need to get their contemporary fix, and enjoy thoughtful books with sweet summer romance. Bonus points for this book actually being set during the summer break.
Read my 5 star review for My Life Next Door here to find out more!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Perfect for: fairy tale enthusiasts. People who grew up with Peter Pan as a child, but want to see the story as a darker, more mature version. Readers who don't mind slow storytelling in exchange for dreamy writing and meaningful prose.
Read my 4 star review for Tiger Lily here to find out more!

Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Perfect for: old & new readers to fantasy books; gripping storytelling, a world bursting with creativity at the seems. A different kind of fantasy pick since much of it is inspired by Russian culture/mythology, and a world in the midst of evolution/transformation.
Read my 5 star review for Shaow & Bone here to find out more!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Perfect for: people who want a book that will change them, and potentially make them cry (or at least tear up). A truly moving story centred around the devoted friendship of two girls during World War II.
Read my 4 star review for Code Name Verity here to find out more!

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Perfect for: classics fans, who are interested in trying out something a little bit different. Or, readers who aren't overly familiar with the classics, but want to test out if it's the kind of story that might grab their interest. This one's a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion in a futuristic, yet semi-historical, sci fi world.
Read my 5 star review for For Darkness Shows the Stars here to find out more!

Thief's Covenant & False Covenant (Widdershins series) by Ari Marmell
Perfect for: fantasy lovers & those who are curious about trying out fantasy. Witty, clever writing and some of the most terrifying, spine-tingling villains I've EVER read about- definitely something out of a horror novel (without actually BEING a horror novel, but instead more fantasy based).
Read my 5 star review for Thief's Covenant (Widdershins #1) here to find out more!
Read my 5 star review for False Covenant (Widdershins #2) here to find out more!

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Perfect for: paranormal fans who want something a little bit different - with FIVE swoonworthy guys. Plus, it's a brilliant blend of paranormal with a distinct contemporary feel to it. Lots of action & kissing that will keep you turning the pages.
Read my 5 star review for Storm (Elementals #1) here to find out more!

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
Perfect for: those stormy, dark nights when you need something pretty creepy and scary to keep you up at night :) And I love the creepy science fiction feel to this one about 3 teenagers who discover some disturbing happenings on the moon.
Read my 5 star review for 172  Hours on the Moon here to find out more!

Review: False Covenant

False Covenant (Widdershins #2) by Ari Marmell
Release Date ~ June 26, 2012 (although it's available on a few online retailers NOW!)
Pyr Books ~ Prometheus
ISBN13: 9781616146214
ARC received from publisher for review

My review for False Covenant is spoiler-free for the series, but the synopsis itself isn't - you can also check out my review for Thief's Covenant (Widdershins #1)!

Goodreads Synopsis:
A creature of the other world, an unnatural entity bent on chaos and carnage, has come to stalk the nighttime streets of the Galicien city of Davillon. There’s never a good time for murder and panic, but for a community already in the midst of its own inner turmoil, this couldn’t possibly have come at a worse one.

Not for Davillon, and not for a young thief who calls herself Widdershins.

It’s been over half a year since the brutal murder of Archbishop Wil­liam de Laurent during his pilgrimage to Davillon. And in all that time, Widdershins has truly tried her best. She has tried to take care of Genevieve’s tavern and tried to make a semihonest living in a city slowly stagnating under the weight of an angry and disapproving Church. She has tried to keep out of trouble, away from the attentions of the Davillon Guard and above the secrets and schemes of the city’s new bishop.

But she’s in way over her head, with no idea which way to turn. The Guard doesn’t trust her. The Church doesn’t trust her. Her own Thieves’ Guild doesn’t trust her.

Too bad for everyone, then, that she and her personal god, Olgun, may be their only real weapon against a new evil like nothing the city has ever seen.

Can we just talk about how good this book series is for a little bit? And how it seriously needs to be read by more YA readers? The fact that this book series is so unknown is shameful; Ari Marmell successfully balances clever humour, horrific villains, a plucky young heroine in a delightful, charming new favourite.

I adored the first book in this new series, Thief's Covenant, but I'm in awe of Ari's ability to craft an even BETTER sequel to an already outstanding book! Everything I loved about Thief's Covenant was there, just amped up a notch or two; whether that was romance, terror, poetic writing or action. It's all there and it's all incredibly satisfying & enjoyable!

1. Fun romance... that isn't overdone:
   While Thief's Covenant only HINTS at some blooming romantic feelings, False Covenant is where we finally get to see it acted on (not all of it - I won't spoil who's involved!) which definitely adds a bit more emotional investment to the characters. It's uncommonly sweet and endearing, yet it never overpowers the rest of the story which is where it's true potency comes from. The complications which arise from it are so painful (UGH! Why do authors do this to me?!) and the consequences devastatingly real... yet all are perfectly appropriate for the story, I can't deny that. Did Ari kill me with his ending? Yes, he did. But for some crazy, book-loving reason in me, I sort of love him or it (or hate... I think I have a love/hate relationship right now, because I'm taking this a little bit too personally. But honestly, you'd understand if you just read the books!) It's impossible NOT to care about these characters <3
2. A writing style specific to an author:
   I actually tend to like this when author's do this, but I enjoy reading books when an author has their own specific style of writing that stands out from other authors. Lauren Oliver is one person I admire for her ability to do this in all her books; no matter how different they are, they still sound like a Lauren Oliver book. Ari's definitely one of those authors as well, who has such a distinct way of writing that appeals to me as a reader. In his Widdershins books, this easily comes across as a witty, precocious young woman with a poetic writing style which works so well for the mystical, creepy ambiance of the book/fantasy world.
3. Dark, horrific villainry:
   I can't stand it when an evil villain doesn't meet my expectations; I find too often that the bad guys turn out to be incredibly lame and rather mundane. But mundane doesn't exist in Widdershins books. Not one bit! Ari's familiarity with writing horror novels comes across so well in his descriptions of the villains Widdershins comes face to face with; which are such truly terrifying ideas, with graphic descriptions that just come alive right off the page that they're some of the best creations I have ever read in a book. Ever; it's completely brilliant!
4. Mystery, action, fighting, secrets!
   There is so much excitement for the number of pages this book has; so much happens, and I love that the development of the characters, world, and story continue right along from where Thief's Covenant left off. It's refreshing to read a fantasy book where the author has clearly invested a large amount of time and thoughtfulness to establish such an interesting setting for an equally fascinating story; and even rarer when you find a story that holds both the setting and story to such high standards and both come across as extraordinarily well done. And the fighting scenes are so good, they completely grab (and hold) your attention.
5. A delightful fantasy world:
   
   I love the different aspects of fantasy which are incorporated in these books; the religious aspect of the series is extremely important, and the mythology created for the various gods and goddesses and their role in public life is so intriguing. And the way that magic & mysticism are semi-related, yet still separate add to this mysterious facet of the world. Plus, I love that there's a Thieves' Guild, because let's be honest- Thieves' Guilds ALWAYS make things more exciting :)

Honestly, I could go on. And on. But then I'd spoil the whole book for you, and that would be a shame because Thief's Covenant & False Covenant are some of the masterpieces of YA. I'll be quite content if Ari continues to bless us all with lovely fantasy works like this one (more please)!
But honestly, why are you reading my review for False Covenant when you should be reading the book? 
I adored this book that I really don't have any complaints, except that I'm the founder of Julien's fan club. And I'm still a little bit upset on his behalf for what happens to him (read: heartbroken! devasted! I'm not getting over this anytime soon).

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo

Review: Thief's Covenant

Thief's Covenant (Widdershins #1) by Ari Marmell
Release Date ~ February 14, 2012
PYR ~ Prometheus Books
ISBN13: 9781616145
Review copy received from publisher
Goodreads Synopsis:
Once she was Adrienne Satti. An orphan of Davillon, she had somehow escaped destitution and climbed to the ranks of the city’s aristocracy in a rags-to-riches story straight from an ancient fairy tale. Until one horrid night, when a conspiracy of forces—human and other—stole it all away in a flurry of blood and murder.

Today she is Widdershins, a thief making her way through Davillon’s underbelly with a sharp blade, a sharper wit, and the mystical aid of Olgun, a foreign god with no other worshippers but Widdershins herself. It’s not a great life, certainly nothing compared to the one she once had, but it’s hers.

But now, in the midst of Davillon’s political turmoil, an array of hands are once again rising up against her, prepared to tear down all that she’s built. The City Guard wants her in prison. Members of her own Guild want her dead. And something horrid, something dark, something ancient is reaching out for her, a past that refuses to let her go. Widdershins and Olgun are going to find answers, and justice, for what happened to her—but only if those who almost destroyed her in those years gone by don’t finish the job first.
Fantasy books were my first love; they were the books which originally drew my attention to books, and the main reason I became so involved wtih reading. Unfortunately for me, I've found it difficult to find fantasy books I thoroughly enjoy, especially those that fit the YA genre.
Thief's Covenant is an astounding and charming fantasy book; it's a very well-written and enjoyable story featuring amiable characters and an engaging storyline. This is a new favourite of mine, and I'm eagerly anticipating the time when I can read the sequel! Although it's relatively unknown, this is one YA book that shouldn't be ignored by fantasy fans!

1. Talented writing:
   Ari Marmell is no stranger to writing or publishing, with a number of works under his belt already. But his venture into the YA world deserves high praise and I'm hoping to see more from him in the future. The way he writes the story of Widdershins is mesmerizing, and his ability to tell the story from a number of perspectives deserves applause. I was most impressed with his skill to incorporate both humour and horror in the story, making it an excellent, multi-faceted story.
2. Creative world development:
   Easily one of my favourite parts of the book, I enjoyed discovering more about the world Ari had creatively written about in Thief's Covenant. It was nearly reminiscent of Tamora Pierce's Tortall and one that was rich in details and history, one that came across as being very real yet magical at the same time.
3. A captivating heroine:
   Widdershins is a phenomenal heroine to read about, and the perfect main character for a fantasy novel. She's clever and precocious, and has that sort of instant charm that's hard to come by as a book character. It takes a special kind of story and writer to create this type of character that really sticks with you, and Widdershins will easiliy find her way into your heart.
   
4. An exhilerating plot:
   The way the story is told in Thief's Covenant, involves a few chronological timelines which jump around back and forth a bit. Although it was a bit confusing at first to keep the details straight, it actually worked as an effective way to gradually reveal the background to Widdershins' story and retain some of the mystery. Plus, there's a good amount of action and adventure to keep your fingers glued to the pages, trying to find out what happens.

This is definitely an author, and book series, to watch. It's stimulating and thrilling story, one that is soon to be a new favourite for many readers.

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo