Most Wanted: Books of December

Hello! So for my new readers, this is a monthly post highlighting the books that I didn't get to review that I'm most excited for that month. I hope you guys enjoy!

#1: Falling Kingdoms

Release Date: December 11, 2012
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Length: 412 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
"In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...

The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?"

One of my favorite things to read is an adventure full of magic in a medieval world. I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't get an early copy to review as I believe this will not only be  the next big thing and Morgan Rhodes best series yet.

#2: Blood-Kissed Sky (not the first in a series, read summary at your own risk)

Release Date: December 26, 2012

Author: J. A. London

Publisher: HarperTeen

Length: 368 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

"There's nowhere left to hide. 

I thought vampires were our enemies - they controlled our lives, isolated our cities, and demanded our blood - until I met Victor. With Victor taking over as the new Lord Valentine, things were supposed to get better. Instead, they're worse than ever. 

Day Walkers, a new breed of vampires who can walk in the sun, are terrorizing the city. Blood supplies are low, and if Victor's vampires don't get enough, they will become infected with the Thirst - a disease that will turn them into mindless killers. 

To stop it, I must journey across the desolate wasteland to the very place where the sickness began. I can only hope that the answers that await me are enough to save us all . . . before it's too late."

I loved Darkness Before Dawn and can't wait to get my hands on this next installment. The previous installment was captivating and had an ending that left me needing more. Even though I try to avoid vampire books it'll be pretty hard to do for the next few years as the fad dies down. So instead, I try to find the good vampire novels instead, and Darkness before Dawn is one of them.

#3: The Darkest Minds

Release Date: December 18, 2012

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Length: 496 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

"When Ruby wakes up on her tenth birthday, something about her has changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control. 

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. 
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she's on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her--East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. 
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living."

I love the seeming mix between dystopia and the paranormal, both genres I love. The romance seems a bit predictable and the struggle between two forces at war, though captivating, seems to be something happening in a lot of dystopian novels. 

#4: The Friday Society

Release Date: December 6, 2012

Author: Adrienne Kress

Publisher: Dial (a Penguin Publishing Imprint)

Length: 440 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

"An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns –and the heroines who use them all 

Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder–and the crimes they believe may be connected to it–without calling too much attention to themselves.

Set in the past but with a modern irreverent flare, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike–well, relatively ladylike–heroines poised for more dangerous adventures."

I've been meaning to read more Steampunk recently as I find the world building exciting and engaging. Also, after reading this review of the book by IceyBooks made me want to read it all the more, be sure to check it out!

I hope you all enjoyed this Installment of Most Wanted. What books either on this list or not are you looking forward to this month? Be sure to leave your  comments below. Also, if you haven't entered my competition to win an Advanced Copy of Through the Ever Night by author Veronica Rossi be sure to head on over to the Giveaways/Contests page to enter now!