In My Mailbox (17)

Wow, I haven't done this in forever. This is actually a few weeks worth of books. As always, In My Mailbox is brought to us by The Story Siren and was inspired by Alea.

I haven't done an In My Mailbox post in way too long! I haven't been posting enough lately. :(

But, anyways, here's my post! These are the books I've gotten over the last couple weeks, so there's more than there would be in a week.

For Review:

Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann - Hardcover

Daniel’s papá, Marcelo, used to play soccer, dance the cueca, and drive his kids to school in a beat-up green taxi—all while publishing an underground newspaper that exposed Chile’s military regime.

After papá’s arrest in 1980, Daniel’s family fled to the United States. Now Daniel has a new life, playing guitar in a rock band and dating Courtney, a minister’s daughter. He hopes to become a US citizen as soon as he turns eighteen.

When Daniel’s father is released and rejoins his family, they see what five years of prison and torture have done to him. Marcelo is partially paralyzed, haunted by nightmares, and bitter about being exiled to “Gringolandia.” Daniel worries that Courtney’s scheme to start a bilingual human rights newspaper will rake up papá’s past and drive him further into alcohol abuse and self-destruction. Daniel dreams of a real father-son relationship, but he may have to give up everything simply to save his papá’s life.

This powerful coming-of-age story portrays an immigrant teen’s struggle to reach his tortured father and find his place in the world.

(Summary from goodreads.)

This is for a book tour in January. It sounds really good, doesn't it?

Explorer X - Alpha by LM Preston - ARC

For most kids, a trip to space camp is the trip of a lifetime for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. He realizes what is happening too late for a change of fate. The full experiment is set in motion when he and his co-pilot, Eirena, crash in a distant galaxy called Shrenas, where they change and realize the full extent of their power. This turn of events forces him to grow up quickly, accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do dominate it. His power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides a decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.

(Summary from goodreads.)

I just got this one yesterday. I peeked and read about half of the first page and really had to make myself not read more. And the author was so so nice and she included a poster and magnets and a couple bookmarks and more... I "squee"d a little seeing the swag alone. XD

From Walmart when we went to see New Moon on Monday:

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - Hardcover

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

(Summary from goodreads.)

You all know how much I loved this book, right? I saw it in Walmart and it was the only book I wanted. The hardcover is even prettier than my ARC. And as soon as I got home, I read the last chapter to see the difference. XD Oh, don't forget you can click the picture to see the huge stunning version of it.

Bought from amazon:

Tempted by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast - Hardcover

Zoey needs a break after some serious excitement. Sadly, the House of Night school for vampyres doesn't feature breaks on its curriculum - even for a High Priestess in training and her gang. Plus juggling three guys is no stress reliever, especially when one is a sexy Warrior so into protecting Zoey that he's sensing her emotions. Wider stresses lurk too, and the dark force in Tulsa's tunnels is spreading. Could Stevie Rae be responsible for more than a group of misfit fledglings? And Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from the immortal Kalona and his dark allure - but they also show that only Zoey can stop him. She's not exactly keen to meet up, but if Zoey doesn't go to Kalona he'll exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. She just has to find the courage to do what's necessary, or everything that's important to her will be destroyed.

(Summary from goodreads.)

My mom loves these books, so I get them as soon as possible for her. She's quite annoyed that the next one isn't out until April. :P

I LOVE this cover! If I'm not mistaken, the picture is pretty large, so click it for more detail.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine - Paperback

From the author of the popular Weather Warden series. Welcome to Morganville, Texas.

Just don't stay out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.

When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

(Summary from goodreads.)

I love these books so much. I devoured them when I read them, they're just so so good.

The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine - Paperback

Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.

(Summary from goodreads.)

I'm in love with these covers. I think they're just perfect for the book. They're all decent sizes, so click them to see more detail.

Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine - Paperback

Claire Danvers's college town may be run by vampires but a truce between the living and the dead made things relatively safe. For a while. Now people are turning up dead, a psycho is stalking her, and an ancient bloodsucker has proposed private mentoring. To what end, Claire will find out. And it's giving night school a whole new meaning.

(Summary from goodreads.)

This is such a good book, too, and I love how after two blue covers this one is so red and warm and pretty.

If you're wondering where Feast of Fools is, I already have it. :P

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine - Paperback

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, the master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn’t the only threat.

Violent black cyclone clouds hover, promising a storm of devastating proportions as student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against elements both natural and unnatural.

(Summary from goodreads.)

I haven't read this one yet, but SQUEEE!!! I can't wait! And I'm not entirely sure who that is on the cover, maybe Shane, but man is he purdy.

Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine - Paperback

In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace-until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants-the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?

(Summary from goodreads.)

Question: If carpe diom (that isn't spelled right) means seize the day, what the heck does carpe corpus mean? Seize the corpse?

Fade Out by Rachel Caine - Paperback

Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again...

Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve's castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.

(Summary from goodreads.)

Love this cover! Especially that necklace, I want that necklace. This is a larger picture, so if you want, click it to see its full size.

Borrowed (from the library):

Starry, Starry Night by Lurlene McDaniel - Paperback

The star that led the three wise men could be the same star wished upon by those longing for a wish to come true. In the opening novella, "Christmas Child," 15-year-old Melanie feels cheated when her baby sister, born at Christmastime, lives only a few days. But the brief life of her sister shows Melanie the lasting value of love. Brenda struggles between noble intentions and real desires when she becomes the last chance for happiness for a dying boy in "Last Dance." The final story, "Kathy's Life," describes a girl who appears to have it all. Kathy is beautiful, intelligent, and has the perfect job as a live-in caregiver for a couple's baby boy. But not everything is as perfect as it seems: Should Kathy give up the one person she loves most in the world?

(Summary from goodreads.)

I think I might have read this one before, but I'm not sure.

Non-book things bought from Walmart that I'm including because I want to (there may just be some fangirling here, so be warned):

Glee: The Music, Volume 1 by the Glee Cast - CD

Ummm, instead of a summary, I'll put the track listing, okay?

1. Don't Stop Believin' (Glee Cast Version)
2. Can't Fight This Feeling (Glee Cast Version)
3. Gold Digger (Glee Cast Version)
4. Take A Bow (Glee Cast Version)
5. Bust Your Windows (Glee Cast Version)
6. Taking Chances (Glee Cast Version)
7. Alone (Glee Cast Version Feat. Kristin Chenoweth)
8. Maybe This Time (Glee Cast Version Feat. Kristin Chenoweth)
9. Somebody To Love (Glee Cast Version)
10. Hate On Me (Glee Cast Version)
11. No Air (Glee Cast Version)
12. You Keep Me Hangin' On (Glee Cast Version)
13. Keep Holding On (Glee Cast Version)
14. Bust A Move (Glee Cast Version)
15. Sweet Caroline (Glee Cast Version)
16. Dancing With Myself (Glee Cast Version)
17. Defying Gravity (Glee Cast Version)

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Sountrack by Various Artists - CD

1. Meet Me On The Equinox by Death Cab For Cutie
2. Friends by Band Of Skulls
3. Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke
4. Possibility by Lykke Li
5. A White Demon Love Song by The Killers
6. Satellite Heart by Anya Marina
7. I Belong To You [New Moon Remix] by Muse
8. Rosyln by Bon Iver & St. Vincent
9. Done All Wrong by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10. Monsters by Hurricane Bells
11. The Violet Hour by Sea Wolf
12. Shooting The Moon by Ok Go
13. Slow Life [with Victoria Legrand] by Grizzly Bear
14. No Sound But The Wind by Editors 3:48
15. New Moon [The Meadow] by Alexandre Desplat

And finally:

The Twilight Saga: New Moon - 2010 Wall Calendar

I really like this. I think the pictures are gorgeous, Taylor Lautner is hawt, although the wig is horrible, I like Kristen Stewart's hair... where was I going with this? Well, whatever I was saying, click the pictures of the calendar because they're huge and awesome. So, yeah, fangirly-ness. :D

Okay! That's everything from like the last month. It's taken me hours to type up, but it was worth it, right?

Thanks for reading such a long post!
Peace and cookies,
Laina