Darkest Mercy Contest Winner!

Congrats to...

Andy Mendoza!!!

Book Review: Luna

If you have yet to read LUNA by Julie Anne Peters, you need to grab this one asap. It is one of the best books I've read in 2010. And the sad thing... it sat on my shelf for a few years. I decided to pick it up when a friend of mine started reading it.

It's about a brother and sister, Liam and Regan. Only... Liam isn't a boy. Not really. Her name is Luna, and she was born in a boy's body. Transgender. And this is the story about her coming out and becoming her true self. Though it is told from the sister, Regan's POV, I still got a good sense of Liam/Luna's situation, feelings, wants, needs, etc...

This story was beautifully told with a good mix of comedy that kept me from crying the entire time. Underneath Luna's "coming out" is Regan, trying to live a normal life, despite her families dysfunctions. She falls for a boy, and their romance is enjoyable, heartwarming, and quite funny. That intersperses with Liam's difficulties at becoming Luna and flashbacks which clearly show Luna for who she is even at a young age.

I have a friend who is going through the same thing as Liam/Luna and another friend with a different situation but has similar difficulties. Reading this book has helped me see a bit better what they have to go through. And I can honestly say that it isn't fair. The fact that it is almost 2011 and there are still people who are not tolerable of those who are different. I really hope that this book will open eyes to those who can't accept others' differences because the person inside is more than just what you see.

I really can't tell you how much I like this book without fangirling, so go pick it up and see for yourself.

Synopsis:


Regan's brother Liam can't stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from whom Liam has chosen his female namesake, his true self, Luna, only reveals herself at night. In the secrecy of his basement bedroom Liam transforms himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be, with help from his sister's clothes and makeup. Now, everything is about to change-Luna is preparing to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam's family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives? Compelling and provocative, this is an unforgettable novel about a transgender teen's struggle for self-identity and acceptance.

Book Giveaway: Darkest Mercy

Contest Closed! Thanks for entering.

My amazing contact at Harper Collins was able to score me an extra copy of DARKEST MERCY by Melissa Marr! I was surprised to see it in my mailbox. So I am giving it to you... Maybe... Depends on if you're my lucky winner.

To enter, fill out this form. If you leave your entry in a response, and don't fill out the form, you won't be entered.

Must be a follower of my blog.

US/Canada only. Sorry. Rules for ARCs.

Winner announced midnight EST when 2011 rolls in for me!

FaerieCon 2010! (and winners)

Every year I go to FaerieCon. It is my favorite event of the year. Between the costumes, the shopping, the music, and everything else, it is amazing. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. It's every November in Baltimore, MD.

One of the first things we saw, after we got our passes, was this guy. Mr. Troll. He was wearing about one foot stilts, so when he passed by everyone felt short. He played the part well. He was wonderful, though, stopping for pictures for anyone who asked. I even witnessed his action shot where he pretended to kidnap a helpless maiden.

This is the front hallway. There's probably 40 vendors down this way. But this is nothing, really... downstairs there is an entire hall filled with vendors, at least ten times what you see here.

So... after taking a picture of Mr. Troll, the first place I go to look is Wendy Froud's table. She's there every year with handmade dolls. For those who don't know Wendy Froud is the wife of faery artist Brian Froud. If you've seen The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, then you've seen their work. Brian does the concept art, while Wendy creates the puppets. In fact, their son Toby was baby Toby in Labyrinth. If you aren't familiar with those movies, 1. Go check them out ASAP and 2. You still probably know Wendy's work. She created Yoda for the original Star Wars movies.

I have two wonderful Wendy Froud dolls at home from FaerieCon 1 and 2. Sadly, she missed 3, so... no doll for me. But I did snag a new one this time around. I was really torn between the two smaller guys on the left and the set of green-haired faeries. If I'd had the money, the troll would've been mine. He almost the exact figure as a troll in one of my favorite Brian Froud paintings from the late 70's. In the end...

He's related to Sneezle. Don't know who Sneezle is? He's a character in a trilogy of books that Wendy co-wrote with Terri Windling. They're out of print, so if you get a chance to pick them up, do it. In the end, the green-haired faeries did not go together. I specifically asked. And when I said I was sad they didn't go together, Wendy said "Oh, don't say that. It'll make me even more sad." :(

On day one, FAE Magazine had one of their people dressed as a silver faery. Unfortunately, I was unable to pick up copies of this wonderful magazine. They're out of the UK and their stuff was held up in customs.

Some fun little hats is just one type of item that was sold at FaerieCon. The past two years there have been an overabundance of steampunk wares.

And as always, there were plenty of amazing masks. I picked up a mask a few years back, and while I love it, I just can't wear it for long periods of time. But it makes a fabulous wall-hanging.

These adorable little nose goblins come out every year in the hopes of being adopted by a loving home. One that could use a little extra mischief.

It just wouldn't be FaerieCon without the Greenmen. They march throughout the convention, chanting and blessing shops that they bring in the green and sell all of their wares.

Despite this being my fourth year (it was the fourth annual event) attending, this was my first year attending the Balls. The Gypsy Nomads normally kick off The Bad Faeries Ball, but this year they were bad at The Good Faeries Ball. "Dark Carnivale" is my favorite song of theirs. Unfortunately, the sound quality isn't so great.

Another band I love, Woodland, closed the show. Emilio and Kelly Miller-Lopez, the leads in this group are the people who head up this event and their even larger event, Faerieworlds, on the west coast. Emilio is on the left with the guitar and Kelly is beside the harp, playing the drums. They played Will O' The Wisp and Rose Red, my two favorites.

Another amazing performer, that has not been before is Adam Hurst. He was incredible.

This next picture is one of our greenmen. He is not the head of the group, but if you go you'll see him around the most. And pictured with him is The Master of Ceremonies...

On evening two, The Bad Faeries Ball was held. It was an even bigger event than the night before.

Cecile Corbel was a new artist to me as well. I looked up her when I heard she'd be attending. She is phenomenal. She didn't play any of my three favorite songs, but she was still fabulous. She kicked off The Bad Faeries Ball. It was kind of a last minute change, but she and The Gypsy Nomads switched nights.

And probably the best performance of the weekend was Faun. The floor was shaking as we danced. The clip is of "Satyros", my favorite Faun song, which they did not perform, but there were plenty of other wonderful tunes.

Faun and The Gypsy Nomads are good on CD, but amazing in person. Their stage presence if phenomenal.

Below is pictured an adorable faun. He was advertising Chela's Body paint and, like the troll, was happy to post for pictures.

And he wanted to make sure I got his backside to. Note: I did not request this picture. Apparently, he likes showing off his tail.

So, the lovely Marina (sweet 10-year-old daughter of a friend) whom I kidnapped fr Sunday's event got her arm painted. Chela painted this faery on her arm in less than two minutes. Amazing, right?

Closing the show was Kelly, Emilio, and Adam. All-in-all, it was an fantastic event. I'll definitely be going back next year. And I hope many of you can make it, too. You won't regret it.

Oh, and I suppose you want me to announce the winners of the FaerieCon giveaway!

Cynthia M won a copy of BALLAD and THE IRON KING.

Orchid F won a copy of TROLL BRIDGE and FRAGILE ETERNITY

Raelena P won a copy of FABLEHAVEN and BLACKBRINGER

In addition to the books, you'll find a small prize coming straight to you from FaerieCon. Congrats!

Book Review: Watersmeet

I bought WATERSMEET by Ellen Jensen Abbott a while back since I was going to be meeting her. She was very sweet and very happy to meet her readers. I started the book before the signing and put it down a few chapters in. That was months ago. And I finally picked it back up the other day.

And please don't think that that has anything to do with the book. It's me... 

I really enjoyed this story. I was a bit hesitant and worried that I wouldn't. Abisina leaves her home in search for Watersmeet (it took me a long time to figure out why this place was named Watersmeet, despite how obvious it was) and her father. In her home, she is an outcast because of her dark hair, and she is only saved because her mother is a great healer. The southern part of the country is a place where humans hate centaurs, dwarves, fauns... and even those of them that don't look like Vran. It is a place where differences are not tolerated. After Charach arrives, chaos begins, and Abisina's journey begins. 

Now why was I worried that I would not enjoy the book? Abisina's journey begins by chapter three or four, and I've found that I'm not much a fan of high fantasy books about a big, long journey. So I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Along the way Abisina befriends dwarves, is put in danger by centaurs, and watches fauns dance. And when she finally reaches her destination, she learns things are not as she grew up believing. 

There are a lot of similarities with this mythical world and our own. Abisina grew up in a place where differences aren't tolerated, and when she finds herself in a place where people of all colors, races, and species live as one, she has trouble accepting it. Children who are taught to hate, will hate. In addition to this message, WATERSMEET also teaches that eyes can be opened to acceptance.

This story was beautifully told, with a rich message everyone needs to hear. There were some twists and turns. Things I didn't expect. And things that I did expect, that didn't happen. I love how Ms Abbott left it open for a sequel. I really hope there's a sequel.

ETA: And this is what I get for not checking sooner. There is a sequel. Details here. Sadly, you can't find this book in stores, so click the first link in this post and order from Amazon, asap!

Synopsis:

From her birth, Abisina has been outcast--for the color of her eyes and skin, and for her lack of a father. Only her mother's status as the village healer has kept her safe. But when a mythic leader arrives, Abisina's life is ripped apart. She escapes alone to try to find the father and the home she has never known. In a world of extremes, from the deepest prejudice to the greatest bonds of duty and loyalty, Abisina must find her own way and decide where her true hope lies.

FaerieCon Giveaway!

Okay, so some of you may have seen my tweets or previous years blog posts on FaerieCon. What is FaerieCon you ask (music will play when you click the link). It's a convention all about faeries. There are things I love more about this than Faerie Fest, and things I love about Faerie Fest more. But since this is my really big festival/convention that I go to every year, I'm doing a huge giveaway in honor of it.

There will be six books up for grabs. Four of which are already signed, and one more that I hope to get signed next weekend. Which means one will go unsigned. Which books? Just keep reading.

FRAGILE ETERNITY (paperback with "Stopping Time") signed by Melissa Marr

BALLAD: A GATHERING OF FAERIE (paperback) signed by Maggie Stiefvater

THE IRON KING (paperback) signed by Julie Kagawa

BLACKBRINGER (hardback) by Laini Taylor

FABLEHAVEN (paperback) signed by Brandon Mull

TROLL BRIDGE (hardback) signed by Jane Yolen


There will be more prizes as well. Since I don't know all of what will be at FaerieCon this year, I'm not sure what those prizes will be. There will be three winners. Each winner will get two books and a prize (bookmark, statue, art print, I don't know what) from FaerieCon!


Contest Closed

Cover Love: Wolfsbane

Have you read NIGHTSHADE? It's okay if you haven't. It's on my TBR also.

And it doesn't take having read the book to love the covers. Here is the cover for WOLFSBANE, the sequel to NIGHTSHADE.

What do you all think of it? Personally, it's probably my favorite YA cover ever!

Book Review: Raised by Wolves

RAISED BY WOLVES is yet another fabulous YA werewolf tale. Jennifer Lynn Barnes tells a tale of Bryn, a girl who was "raised by wolves". A rabid (werewolf with no pack allegiance) attacked her family when she was young. But lucky for her, Callum rescues the four-year-old before she can be eaten.

This novel is set in first person, which allows us to learn through her eyes. She's fifteen at the start of the novel, and we soon learn that all is not what it seems. But at the same time, she is not always right in her assumptions, which leads us to believe one thing, when another is true. Personally, I find this fun.

She soon meets Chase, a boy who was bitten and is turning into a werewolf. But that's impossible... isn't it? I enjoyed Bryn and Chase, and their interactions. I also really enjoyed scenes with her best friend Devon, and her friend Lake (a rare female werewolf). I enjoyed the ending, as things got wrapped up nicely, and I assumed it was a stand-alone based on the ending. However, TRIAL BY FIRE is the next book in this series, and we'll likely see that next year.

Be sure to pick up this book if you're in the mood for a werewolf story that is quite different from others out there.

Synopsis:

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Release Day (2)

Welcome to Release Day 2... here are some books that will hit the shelves today!

ETERNAL: MORE LOVE STORIES WITH BITE anthology

Immortal: Love Stories With Bite, edited by P.C. Cast (author of the #1 New York Times phenomenon House of Night series), collected dark, romantic short stories from seven of the hottest vampire writers in YA. 

Now Eternal: More Love Stories With Bite presents all-new YA stories featuring vampires, the romantic heroes and heroines that still hold the reading public enraptured. A mix of writers from the first anthology and new contributors makes for a fresh new collection with all of the dark romance of its predecessor, and a book that’s sure to thrill vampire romance fans old and new.

The book includes an original introduction by Cast.

HERO by Mike Lupica

Fourteen-year-old Zach Harriman can feel the changes. The sharpening of his senses. The incredible strength. The speed, as though he can text message himself across miles. The confidence and the strange need to patrol Central Park at night. His dad had been a hero, a savior to America and a confidante of the president. Then he died, and the changes began in Zach. What Zach never knew was that his father was no ordinary man--he was a superhero, battling the world's evil. This is a battle that has been waged for generations and that knows no boundaries.

And now it's Zach's turn to take on the fight. It's Zach's turn to become a hero.

BARTIMAEUS: THE RING OF SOLOMON by Jonathan Stroud

Bartimaeus, everyone’s favorite (wise-cracking) djinni, is back in book four of this best-selling series. As alluded to in the footnotes throughout the series, Bartimaeus has served hundreds of magicians during his 5,010 year career. Now, for the first time, fans will go back in time with the djinni, to Jerusalem and the court of King Solomon in 950s BC. Only in this adventure, it seems the great Bartimaeus has finally met his match. He’ll have to contend with an unpleasant master and his sinister servant, and runs into just a “spot” of trouble with King Solomon’s magic ring….

VIRALS by Kathy Reichs

Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot--if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends--they're a pack. They are Virals.

CELIA AND THE FAIRIES by Karen McQuestion

When Celia Lovejoy's grandmother moves in with her family, she tells her granddaughter magical stories of fairies living in the woods behind the Lovejoy home. Ten-year-old Celia believes they are just that-stories-until the day she receives an unexpected visit from Mira, a real, live fairy. Mira needs a favor in a matter of the utmost importance. It seems that Celia's house and the adjoining woods are in danger of being demolished to make way for a new highway. The person behind this horrible plan? Vicky McClutchy, a spiteful woman who holds a childhood grudge against Celia's dad. Fairy magic can counteract this evil, but it will only work with Celia's help. Aided by neighborhood friend Paul, Celia begins a danger-filled quest that takes her out in the woods at night to face her greatest fears. This magical tale of a plucky girl combines an entertaining story with an underlying message about the power of ordinary kindness.

PEGASUS by Robin McKinley

A gorgeously written fantasy about the friendship between a princess and her Pegasus. 

Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pagasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own Pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication. 

But its different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close-so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo-and possibly to the future safety of their two nations. 

Other books of interest:

THE CASSINI CODE: A GALAHD BOOK by Dom Testa

THE FAERIES’ PROMISE: FOLLOWING MAGIC by Kathlee Duey

THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK by Sarah Smith

WHITE CAT and Mythcreants Winners!

Blessed Samhain and Happy Halloween. To celebrate I had two giveaways that ended today.

First up... WHITE CAT by Holly Black. And the winner is... 

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Ananda W

Secondly, I have my favorite CD, Mythcreants by Tricky Pixie. And the winner is...

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Ashley G

Congrats, ladies!