*Stacking the Shelves* January 3, 2014

Stacking The Shelves is a fun way to show off the books we received over the past week in the hopes that you will find something that you will be interested in reading. As always, it is in no way, shape, or form to be considered bragging or sticking out our tongues at other bloggers. 

I personally enjoy  reading comments from those that stop by and support Gizmo's Reviews and I make every effort to comment and visit back your blog in return. 

Happy New Year Everyone!

Welcome back to Stacking the Shelves!

This is an accumulation of all books received from December 14 thru January 3, 2014

Received via Edelweiss

Received via NetGalley

 

 

 

 

Received directly from Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books)

Library Books

 

 

Amazon Cheapies

In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season: Episodes 1-5 (In Darkness We Must Abide Season Compilation) by Rhiannon Frater

The Bigtime Series (Bigtime superhero series, e-bundle) by Jennifer Estep

Sunset Rising by McEachern, S.M.

Hunting Lila by Alderson, Sarah

Talented (Talented Saga #1) by Davis, Sophie

Rusted Veins: A Sabina Kane Novella by Jaye Wells

*Early Review* Independent Study (The Testing #2) by Joelle Charbonneau

*My Thoughts*

Independent Study is the bridge between The Testing, and Graduation Day. The second installment, in any trilogy, is usually the more challenging one to create and put forth to your readers, especially when the first one was so amazing. You see my lovely followers, The Testing was a heart stopping, action packed, thrill ride from the start to finish, whereas I am left grasping for words to express my true feelings about Independent Study.

Charbonneau's characters in The Testing, especially Cia, Tomas, and Will, were interesting, intelligent, and fun to watch as they got out of sticky situation, after sticky situation. You actually cared what happened to these characters as they made their way through a maze of danger. I even agreed that the story did have comparisons to the Hunger Games in that only the strong willed survived to move onward to the next step. Unfortunately, Independent Study left me highly disappointed and perhaps a little bit pensive about continuing to read the final installment. 

Independent Study finds our heroine Malencia (Cia) Vale at the University in Tosu City having survived the Testing and looking forward to a future. For the past 6 months while taking preliminary courses, she's been trying to figure out what is real, and what is not, or who she can actually trust. Thanks to her brother Zeen's Transit Communicator, there are a whole lot of questions, and not enough answers. There is the feeling that no matter what she does, it won't be good enough to survive to see Graduation Day. 

Now, Cia, Tomas, Will, Stacia and a whole new cast of secondary characters including Ian, Raffe, and Michal who we met in the Testing, must find a way to survive and advance before they are "Redirected" out of the program. Cia is still stubborn, perhaps a bit pensive about her own abilities even though they have saved her life more than a time or two. She becomes aware of the fact that people are watching her each and every move to see if she screws up so that they can "redirect" her out of the program. 

Of course, Independent Study leaves readers hanging in the balance wondering what Cia and others will do next. Will Cia be strong enough to stop The Testing from continuing? Will see and Tomas have a future together, or will they find disappointment and sadness instead. I'll just say, stay tuned if you will. 

*I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!*

Author - Joelle Charbonneau
Title - Independent Study (The Testing # 2)
Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Released January 7, 2014
Genre - YA Dystopian
Recvd via HMB thru Edelweiss

*Early Review* Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock #7) by Faith Hunter

*My Thoughts*

The release of Black Arts brings with it multiple story lines that leaves our heroine Jane Yellowrock trying to piece together a nearly unsolvable puzzle before it is too late for her best friend Molly Everhart Trueblood. When Evan Trueblood nearly blows down Jane's front door with his air magic looking for Molly, and two employees of Katie's (Leo's second and heir) disappear, it is the start of a variety of challenges, and revelations that have been waiting to come to light for awhile now. 

If you are a series regular, then you know that Jane and Molly have had a rough go of it ever since Jane was responsible for killing her sister Evangelina (see Raven Cursed for more information). The fact is that Jane has also been forced to face the music for her actions not only in her psyche, but in the court of public opinion as well. Jane is one of the strongest characters you will read about, but at times, she questions almost everything she does and often wonders if she is truly a good person, or bad, and it takes her awhile to solve things that are right in front of her.

I will say this about Black Arts, it's not a boring story that's for sure. Jane discovers more about herself and her connection to Beast than any previous installment. She makes choices based on help from Aggie One Feather who has had some recent issues with Jane. Her secret that she's a skinwalker has been exposed to the supernatural community, and her relationship with Leo takes on an interesting turn of events that I am inquisitive and concerned about. Along with a new villain who comes calling on Leo, there are tons of other interesting situations making their way for New Orleans and Leo's territories. So many that I won't spoil them for you. I will just say, read the book!

Although most of the questions in Black Arts are solved, there are a few that are left open ended, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments release to see where Jane's relationship with Leo, Rick, Bruiser, and Kate heads. There is also important questions about Evan and Molly's daughter Angie that should be fun to discover in future installments as well. I am still happy that Hunter added the Younger brothers (Eli and Alex) to the mix. They are definitely strong characters who add a bit of humor and family ties to Jane's life. 

I've read on Faith's Facebook page that the next installment will be called Broken Soul and releases sometime in November of 2014. This was posted on 12/23/2013. Can't wait to see what Jane and gang are tasked with next! 

*Recvd 12/05/2013 via NetGalley* Expected publication: January 7th 2014 (first published 2014) __Black Arts Blog Tour Stop @ Gizmos Reviews on January 1, 2014.

Author - Faith Hunter
Title - Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock # 7)
Publisher - ROC
Released - January 7, 2014
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Received via NetGalley from Publisher

*Early Review* Fugitive X (Revolution 19 #2) by Gregg Rosenblum

*My Thoughts*

Fugitive X just happened to be the last book I choose to read for 2013. I guess it is a hopeful sign that 2014 will be another good year of reading since I managed to read over 380 books without giving up on any of them! HOORAH! 

Fugitive X, the second installment in the Revolution 19 trilogy, is a young adult dystopian novel set in a future where humans are the prey, and robots are the hunters. It features siblings Nick (17), Cass (15) and Kevin (13) as they struggle to survive and not be captured by the robots.

After escaping the City and leaving their parents, Lexi, and Farryn behind to an unknown fate, Nick, Cass, and Kevin are separated after running into unknown humans (Rebels) and robots. If you've read Revolution 19, you are aware that robots rebelled against their human masters and creators in the Great Intervention. Those who survived, fled to the countryside where they created their own Freeposts. Those who were unlucky to escape, have gone through Re-education, and had their memories erased or were killed off. 

Once the siblings are separated, Fugitive X delves into each siblings journey to make their way back together again. Each chapter tells a different story. Fugitive X also introduces readers to the rebellion as well as a new character that readers of Revolution 19 will be eager to have his identity revealed. There are also hints of betrayal, robots who have enhanced re-education abilities, and a hint that the war between the robots and humans is far, far from being over.

Nick as the oldest sibling is lucky in that he escaped being re-educated. Even though the bots gave him a new eye, they couldn't break his will or desire to escape. If you are to take this story as it is, then you would be guessing that he is the Fugitive X that the Senior Advisor is searching for. But, you could also say that Cass, Kevin, and the mysterious man named the Governor, who I will not spoil his identity under the threat of torture and death, could also be Fugitive X. 

Cass is the character that you most want to read about and find out what happened to her. She's the middle child, the fastest runner, but sometimes fate has other plans for you and she ends up struggling with her own memories. What Rosenblum has in store for Cass in the next installment is anyone's guess. 

Kevin is the youngest and probably the most interesting character to read about this time around because of the situations he keeps finding himself in. Kevin has skills. Skill that could come in handy in the long fight against the bots. He is also spunk, and desire to ensure that he reunites with his siblings and finds a way back to the city to rescue their parents.

Naturally, since this is the second book in the series, there is a cliffhanger that leaves you shaking your head in frustration and misery. As a reader, I have come to fully expect certain forms of cliffhangers and this one takes the cake. I look forward to reading the next installment, and hope that all my questions will be answered in a timely and succinct manner.

Thank you so much to Harper Teen for allowing me access to this title in lieu of an honest review.

09/25/2013 Recvd via Edelweiss - Expected publication: January 7th 2014 by Harper Teen

Author - Gregg Rosenblum
Title - Fugitive X (Revolution 19, #2)
Publisher - Harper Teen
Releases - January 7, 2014
Genre - YA Dystopian
Received via Edelweiss from publisher

*Review* Alien Research (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #8) by Gini Koch

*My Thoughts*

Except for perhaps 2 chapters that I found a bit political in nature, (which I try to avoid like coming in contact with plague victims), Alien Research took me on an emotional ride which lead to a very emotional ending. I really didn't see the carnage coming that Koch left behind and was a bit shocked and surprised by the number of characters that Koch choose to put in harms way. That's a nice way of saying that some characters meet their destinies.

I still have some huge questions as to whom the real Mastermind is and whether this person is standing right in front of Kitty. There are SO many different people surrounding Kitty right now that I am not 100 percent sure that they are all trustworthy.

I liked the fact that Kitty does meet a surprise character that has been creating lots and lots of questions about who they are and how they are able to do the things they do since Kitty joined the A/C gang. HINT: The Operation Elves. I also found the question of using or denying free will and free choice a conversation that probably needs to be discussed further in light of events that happen in this book.

As usual, Kittyism is out in full force and this novel can be considered Operation Infiltration because the bad guys really throw the gang into utter chaos. Whenever I read a novel in this series, I take out my chalkboard (Kidding!) and write down every single character that Kitty comes in contact with and whether or not they are important to the overall telling of the story. It is interesting that Kitty gathers people around her like moths to a flame. That being said, yet another character is added to Kitty's ever growing gang of misfits and her abilities are Storm like. 

I really do want to go back and write down every song that Koch comes up with in this story. In fact, it would probably behoove me to do so to each of the series books and make a customized CD out of them. I love the fact that Koch has a new song for each situation Kitty encounters.

Koch enjoys taking Kitty and Jeff to new heights in the romance department. With Kitty's ever growing abilities, you never know what they will do next. On the Smexy scale, I would rate this an 8.

I'm a bit on the unforgiving side when it comes to Christopher this time out. I think his churlish comments and behaviors necessitated a smack down by Kitty and Amy. I totally understand his feeling a bit bummed out about things but come on dude, strap on your jock strap and be a man about things!

I wonder when Kitty is going to get a break from both her friends, and enemies. Although she is clearly smart, brave, inquisitive, and dangerous to the Mastermind's world domination because she thinks way, way outside of the box, there are those who clearly think she's a lunatic and the comments that get tossed her way are a bit mind boggling. 

Alien Collective is the next book in this series, and releases May 2014.

Author - Gini Koch
Title - Alien Research (Katherine "Kitty" Katt # 8)
Publisher - DAW
Released - December 3, 2013
Received from publisher
Genre - Science Fiction

*Happy New Years From Gizmos Reviews!* A Look Into Things To Come

 

Happy New Years Every body!

 

Are you all excited for the arrival of 2014? I sure am!

 

After a TWO week Christmas and New Years mini-break, Gizmos Reviews is once again up and running full time and I hope you chime in on my reviews and posts. I would love feedback on my posts. Helps me determine whether or not I should continue them or not.

 

2013 was a year of personal pain and stress not knowing whether or not a family member would survive cancer to not only see Thanksgiving, but the end of the year. Not knowing whether or not I would have to pick up and move back to New York where all of my family currently lives. Thankfully, he did and I was able to visit my family for Thanksgiving in New York even it took me 20 hours to drive from Florida to New York in the snow, sleet and rain storms!

 

I have NO resolutions for 2014.

It will be what it will be, and fate will determine

what will happen, when it happens.

 

Since I have not received ANY books over the past 2 weeks, I will resume Stacking the Shelves once I get more than One.

 

I have vowed that I will not participate in any challenges (except Goodreads), and read what I like, when I like, and not get overwhelmed with NG, or EW requests and ARCs. I currently have enough books both physical, on my Kindle, and ARC's to last until May, or June. If I really need a book, I shall go to the library and borrow it. If they don't have it, I will bide my time until they do or request it through the Interlibrary loan system.

 

I have vowed that I will no longer stress about my followers and page views.

~Even though I am 800 page views short of 100,000, when it happens, I shall

throw a mini party with perhaps a box of books to give away! Won't that be grand?~

 

I'm thankful for my followers!

Without you, I would have probably said the hell with it and closed up shop.

 

I'm thankful to everyone who leaves me comments. You are absolutely awesome!

 

In 2013, I read over 380 books and didn't give up on anything! 3rd year in a row! HOORAH!

 

I celebrated my 2 year blogging anniversary in June which was fantastic and gave away a bunch of prizes and books! I look forward to celebrating my THIRD year!

 

I posted over 200 reviews to Netgalley this year which surprised even me!

(Still need to go back with my notes and update unfinished reviews.) 

(Still need to work on my Edelweiss stats Asap!)

 

I went to my first Book Blogging convention in 2013, and will somehow find my way

back to Daytona Beach, FL in February where I need to tackle hug more than a few awesome authors who have chatted with me on Twitter, and graced Gizmos Reviews with their awesome presence!

 

I would LOVE a co-blogger, or even folks who are willing to post features, or reviews on Gizmos Reviews. Please, if you are interested in posting on my blog, contact me by leaving a comment, or through Twitter.

 

Thank you everyone! Happy New Year and Good Luck To Everyone!

 

 

*Black Arts Blog Tour* Faith's Top 4 Favorite Chapters and Why!

Thanks to Let's Talk! Promotions for offering me the chance to read Black Arts and participate in this blog tour! Jane Yellowrock is one of my top 5 favorite heroines and every time Faith releases a book, I get all nervous and excited. Black Arts doesn't disappoint! Here is the link to my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/584120333

FAITH HUNTER writes bestselling dark urban fantasy: Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock—Skinwalker, Blood Cross, Mercy Blade, Raven Cursed, Death’s Rival & Blood Trade. Rogue Mage, a post-apocalyptic, alternate reality series, features Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage—BloodRing, Seraphs, Host, and Rogue Mage RPG and World Book. Find Faith online on her blog, her website www.faithhunter.net, on Pinterest, goodreads, twitter, and facebook.

BLACK ARTS

Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own — no matter the cost….

When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace.

Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.

Faith's Top 4 Favorite Chapter Titles!

Chapter Five -- Molly’s Dead Body

I can hear howling now. “Did you, the evil writer, kill off a main character?!?” Not gonna answer. You actually have to read the book. And now I am hearing, “You evil writer! No fair!!!”

Chapter Six -- Well-Trained Junkyard DogsSome characters are just badass from the get go, you know? But Even they can be conditioned by an alpha woman to do the right thing. 

Chapter Seven -- Sold Me to LeoSorry. Spoilers lay there! Danger, Danger!

Chapter Eight -- B-b-b-b-bad to the BoneAnd who is Bad to the Bone? Leo? Bruiser? Ricky-Bo in his new were-cat persona? Jane? I’m not tellin’ Nope. No way.

THE TOUR:
11/25: I Smell Sheep
11/26: Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
12/2: Fade Into Fantasy
12/4: Tynga’s Reviews
12/5: Kristina’s Paranormal Books (reschedule)
12/6: What I Learned Today
12/9: Morphy’s Book Blog
12/11: Under the Covers Book Blog
12/12: After Dark Rendezvous
12/16: Vampire Book Club
12/16: The Book Swarm
12/17: The Enchanted Alley
12/18: Mad Hatter Reads
12/19: Paranormal Cravings
12/20: My Bookish Ways
12/23: All Things Urban Fantasy
12/26: The Qwillery
12/27: The Book Nympho
12/30: Bea’s Book Nook
12/31: Paranormal Haven
1/1: Gizmo’s Reviews
1/2: drey’s library
1/3: That’s What I’m Talking About
1/6: Urban Fantasy Investigations
1/7: Literal Addiction