Aine's Realm

Book Review: Bloodrose

2012-01-24T18:28:00.001-05:00

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

I just finished Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer today. I recently read and reviewed Nightshade and Wolfsbane in preparation. I didn't care much for Nightshade, but Wolfsbane was more enjoyable. So I was hoping Bloodrose would step it up. It turned out to be my least favorite of the series.

Three books in, and I still couldn't get a handle on the characters. Many times there were odd responses. Things that brought me to a pause, and then I had to go back and see who was doing this. At times, I thought some of the characters had temporarily switched bodies. This happened a lot with the searchers. I couldn’t connect with any of them. Another thing that was off-putting was some of the transitions. The characters would be in a dire situation, or crying over the loss of a team member, and the next page everyone is joking and laughing. If you’ve read the first two books, you know what this one’s about: the war of Searchers versus Keepers with Guardians on both sides. They’re in the middle of battle, they get a break, and instead of regrouping and moving on while the people behind them are fighting and dying, they’re standing around laughing and joking. I was put off by this, and it felt very unnatural.

I really like Sabine and Bryn. I wish they had had more time to shine. I loved all the scenes were Calla got to talk to her father. It has been said for all three books that Calla is a strong alpha female but I feel like here is the first time it shows. I liked the last chapter and the epilogue. It ended on a good note for me.

Warning: spoilers ahead (For some reason, I’ve had trouble reviewing these books while keeping them spoiler-free. Sorry.)

The two characters that annoyed me the most were Ren and Shay. Ren has annoyed me from the beginning. He’s womanizing, domineering, and just plain cruel at times. I liked Shay much more in the beginning, but since his transformation and run for alpha male, he’s become more like Ren. Both claim to love Calla, but neither respect her. She says she’ll choose which guy she loves most after the war. They say they respect her opinion, but they’re both constantly fighting with each other and pushing boundaries with her.

I’ve read several ranty reviews on Goodreads, where people are saying “Really, Cremer? You took the easy way out.” To be honest, I agree that the choosing of Shay over Ren was an easy way out. But if Ren hadn’t died, do you think he’d have let Calla choose Shay? No. He’d have kept fighting. And if Calla had chosen Ren, Shay wouldn’t have backed down. I think Calla loved Shay more since she chose him. And I have to admit that I was happy when Ren died. Because, let’s face it, he’d have never let Calla and Shay be happy. In making both guys vie for alpha-hood, they were too similar in their wanting to possess Calla.

This next bit may also sound a bit ranty. These are some of the specific issues that bothered me and brought down the enjoyment level of the book. CPR on a wolf. Really? I'm CPR trained, and have been re-certified every two years for 13 years. The only way CPR will work is if you cover someone's entire mouth with yours, creating a seal. Otherwise, the air won't go in. So, yeah... On more than one occasion, a male character praised a female character for doing something by saying "Good girl." This drove me nuts. This is something you tell a 2-year-old who is doing a good job with the potty training. Not something you tell your alpha because you like her opinion. It's condescending in my book.

There is a line in which the narrator, Calla, says "I barked and wagged my tail." She gets offended by dog jokes, and then makes her own. Also... there must have been at least two dozen mentions of tail wagging. I've never seen this much tail wagging in a werewolf book. "I'm fierce; watch me wag my tail." I don't think so.

I feel really bad giving these books poor reviews. I’ve met Andrea Cremer, and she’s a very lovely individual. I really wanted to like these books, and I’m sad to say I didn’t. She has a prequel series coming out. The short in the end of the book (I’m not sure if it was only in the B&N edition or others) is a really good hook, and it does make me want to try them. I guess we’ll see when it comes out.

Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

2012-01-20T10:00:00.002-05:00

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher has sat on my shelf almost since about the time it came out in hardback. I had heard such amazing things, so I couldn't resist. But I only now got around to reading it. I was inspired to read it since the author was going to be coming to my state for a signing. I hate going to signings when I haven't read anything by the author. I like being able to say "I loved your book!" So I read it earlier this week, and oh my goddess... It was amazing!

It starts with Clay Jensen receiving a box of tapes from Hannah Baker, a girl who had recently committed suicide. "I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why." The first tape isn't so bad, but they continue to get worse as Hannah has to deal with more and more crap from fellow students. This book touches on bullying, rumors, sexual harassment, partying, drinking, rape, and more.

This story is told through two points of view. Hannah through the tape recordings and Clay as he's listening to them. I liked Clay instantly. He seemed so sweet and caring; it was hard to believe he was going to be on the tapes. Hannah, on the other hand, while I felt like I should like her, I had some trouble in the beginning. Her voice originally came off as too cocky and self-assured to be someone who just swallowed a bottle of pills. And then after a while, I started to recognize her tone as a way I've spoken before. It's anger and hurt and so many other things rolled together, that it comes off as snarky and sarcastic. That voice comes out when I'm talking about something very painful, something someone did to me that hurt but this person acts like it's nothing.

I'm going to put a warning here. Not a spoiler warning, but a "this is going to be personal" warning. While much of my experiences and Hannah's were different in the details, there is much that was the same. People talked about me in high school. I wasn't popular. I wasn't in the in-crowd. But rumors flew around so much you'd have thought I was. I found out people I didn't even know were saying negative things about me. Between that and the bullying, I mostly just tried to disappear. But I know how Hannah felt. Hating herself. Hating life. Wanting it all to end. I had to read this book a chapter at a time. I had to distance myself from her because I knew the kind of pain she was dealing with.

And because of that, this book sits firmly on my list of "Books Everyone Should Read." One of my favorite quotes from the book is as follows: "You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything." A lot of the stuff Hannah had to deal with was small. So small it would be insignificant by itself. But things build. And this book really shows how hurting someone, no matter how small, can impact a person in incredible ways.

Thirteen Reasons Why is depressing. It's about suicide, so how can it not be? It's amazingly well-written. And it's full of so many powerful lines, that I'd love to quote about twenty more. I look forward to reading more by Jay Asher.

I always take my dust jackets off when I read hardbacks. I get that the point of a dust jacket is to protect the book. But I take it off so I don't wrinkle or tear the dust jacket while I'm reading. And, every once in a while, I find a surprise under it. Sometimes it's an image or quote on the actual book or the dust jacket has an image on the underside. In Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah sends out a set of tapes. Thirteen stories on seven tapes. And a map along with it. The map is starred and marked up... just like the underside of the dust jacket. I enjoy finding these little gems. It gives a little added something to the reader, in my opinion. You can see the map in the image above.

Book Review: Wolfsbane

2012-01-18T22:46:00.001-05:00

You're an alpha, a leader. That's what we need. It's what we've always needed. When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. Then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save her pack - and the boy - she left behind.Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? Will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials love can endure.

Despite the fact that I didn't love Nightshade, I picked up Andrea Cremer's sequel Wolfsbane. I liked it a lot more than the first book. A lot of the things that annoyed me in Nightshade weren't an issue here. Calla and Shay left their old lives behind and joined in with their old enemy's team - the Searchers - at the end of book one. And book two picked up right where they left off.

Warning: Slight spoilers ahead.

We were introduced to many new characters: Ethan, Ariadne, Connor, Monroe, and other Searchers. It took me a while to warm up to them. Their dialogue and constant joking were a bit much; I had some trouble with their dialogue, especially in the beginning. It caused a bit of trouble for me connecting with them. A few of the pack from Nightshade make an appearance, but Ren wasn't in the book much. That's not so good for Team Ren, but yay for Team Shay! I liked that Calla and Shay were given a chance to get to know each other without Ren around.

Which brings me to the main point of why I liked Wolfsbane over Nightshade. Calla wasn't quite as torn between two guys. She wasn't kissing one in one chapter, and the other boy in the next. It's not that she forgot about Ren or the feelings she has for him. In short, there was less of a love triangle here. Which made me really happy. The Searchers, as a species, were very interesting. The weaving sounded fascinating. And I loved the mysticism. I think if I could be a character in this series, I’d choose Searcher.

I’ve already begun Bloodrose, and I’m excited to see how this story ends. I included the arc cover of Wolfsbane in this post. It still makes me sad that the publishers chose to change the covers from the originals by outstanding artist, Suza Scalora.

Book Review: Wonderstruck

2012-01-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

From Brian Selznick, the creator of the Caldecott Medal winner THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, comes another breathtaking tour de force.

Playing with the form he created in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey.

Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories--Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder. Rich, complex, affecting, and beautiful--with over 460 pages of original artwork--Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

I picked up Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick because I loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret so much. And I loved Wonderstruck even more. The story is imaginative and the illustrations are gorgeous. Above is an image from early in the book where Rose escapes her home.

Rose is a little girl living in New Jersey in the 20's. She has only her father, as her mother left years prior. Rose is confined to her home. She's deaf, and her parents are afraid that she could get hurt out on her own. But she is strong-willed. She makes her way to the Natural History Museum in NY.

Ben is a little boy living fifty years later, in the late 70's. He recently lost his mother and never knew his father. He's deaf in one ear until an accident leaves him completely unable to hear. When he finds a clue to where his father may be, he makes his way to NY and finds himself in the Natural History Museum. Below is an image from the book of one of the exhibits.

The children have much in common and should they have lived at the same time, they'd probably be best friends. Brian Selznick switches between Ben's story and Rose's until their stories overlap. It's a beautiful story which left me teary-eyed. I can't wait to see what else this amazing author/illustrator will come up with.

Book Review: Nightshade

2012-01-14T23:40:00.000-05:00

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I have a confession to make. I received arcs of both Nightshade and Wolfsbane, and I didn't start the series until after Bloodrose released. Andrea Cremer's books interested me after hearing friends say how much they loved them and telling me that I'd love them, too. But I also heard there were cliffhangers, so I put them off to read them all together.

I have to admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Nightshade. I really wanted to like it. Werewolves, witches, and other paranormal creatures. That kind of thing is right up my alley. I think Andrea Cremer wrote the story well, and that it was an interesting story. I really like the set-up and the mystery, but there was just too much that bothered me to really love it.

Those of you who know me and/or read my blog regularly know that I HATE spoilers. With a passion. So I do my best to keep spoilers out of my reviews, but this one is going to include them, so... beware from this point on.

Things that bothered me about Nightshade:

1. Ren. I don't get the appeal. He's a man-whore, making out, and maybe even sleeping, with a number of girls while he's promised to Calla. And to make Shay jealous, Ren makes Calla sit on his lap at lunch. He was a d-bag.

2. Male dominant society. Ren practically jumps on Calla, kissing her and unbuttoning her shirt, while she pushes him away, and she gets scolded. The Bane alpha male is allowed to be inappropriate to the Nightshade alpha female, and she is to submit to what he wants. -____- To be fair, I think we, the readers, are supposed to dislike this behavior, but it ruined the enjoyment of the book for me.

3. Magical Changes. I'm not a fan of werewolves that can transform in a second or less with no pain. In this series, not only does it take a second to transform, but when they change back to human, their clothes are in tact, and whatever they had on their person is still with them.

4. Kissing scenes. I don't mind kissing, sex, or romance in books. In fact, I tend to like a little romance in my books. That being said, heavy make-out scenes in every other chapter, switching between two different guys, was a bit much. And the heaving making out in times of peril... wtf?

I own all three books in hardback, and I do plan to read them all. In fact, I've already started Wolfsbane, but I really hope they get better.

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

2012-01-13T10:10:00.004-05:00

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

I bought City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare when it came out. I liked the first three and loved her spin-off series, so I was excited to read this one. But... I hadn't heard the best things. So, sad, I put it off. I finally picked it up in December, and... I loved it.

I had heard a lot of negative reviews and comments about how Cassie Clare only wrote this as a quick money-maker and other negative assumptions. My biggest issue with the first three Mortal Instruments was that Clary was whiny, Jace was cocky, and they were predictable. But here I liked Clary and Jace, and the plot kept me guessing.

There was more Simon than in the previous books, which made me happy. I loved his scenes with Izzie. We had a few new characters and someone from the Infernal Devices shows up. Honestly, though, the thing that excited me the most about this new trilogy (and I call it a new trilogy since it's a new arc in this series) is the potential for Tessa to come into this world. It may not happen, but I've got my fingers crossed.

I'm super excited for City of Lost Souls to hit shelves this year. And have you seen the new cover? It's my favorite of the series!

Guest Post: The Diary of Willow Krimble (Giuseppe Bianco)

2012-01-08T09:30:00.005-05:00

The Diary Of Willow Krimble
First Entry

Dear Diary,

Wow, this feels so weird. I’ve never written that before, which is really odd, since Grandma Trisha gave me this Diary two years ago. She knows how much I love to write. I’ve written a few short stories and a ton of poems, but I’ve never written in a diary before. With the strange events that have been happening to me lately, I just feel like I need to express certain things that I can’t share with anyone else, including my best friend, Razzel.

So, where to begin, Diary? Since I’m new at this, I’d feel a lot better if I gave you little bit of background info on myself – even though you are just a leather-bound notebook – no offense.

My name is Willow Krimble. I’m 13-years-old, I have freckles, bushy, almond-colored hair, and I have to wear a retainer for the next six months, even though I finally got my braces off. Sounds like your typical tween, right? Oh, I promise you, it gets more interesting, Diary. I wouldn’t exactly call my life “typical”. You see, for one thing, I was born without the bottom half of my left leg, so I’ve had to wear a prosthetic limb pretty much my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known, so I don’t mind it. I often notice my classmates curiously staring at it, which isn’t my favorite pastime, but you get used to it. You never do get used to the insults, though. Shayla Stergus and Snella Burinbine, at school, think it’s pretty funny to call me things like “Prosthetic Princess”, or “One-Leg Wonder”. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bug me. I don’t have to tell you how powerful words can be. They can raise you to amazing heights, where you’re heart begs to remain, or they can drag you to a dark place, where it seems as if the tiniest flicker of hope will never shine again. Sorry to get so deep, there, Diary. It’s the poet in me, I guess.

But thank goodness for my best friend, Razzel Fiora; she’s had my back since we were three years old. She really looks out for me. It’s not the worst thing in the world to have a best friend who’s skilled in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, complimented by a sarcastic attitude. Comes in handy when someone refers to you as “Robo-Crutch”. Don’t laugh, Diary – not funny.

But enough about my middle school angst. Now that I’ve filled you in on the basics, I think I’m finally ready to share something else with you; something … peculiar … something … curious. You see, the retainer, untamable hair, and steel leg are just the back-story to Willow Krimble. Did I just refer to myself in the third-person? Sorry about that. Anyway, the real thing you should know about me is, lately … well … strange, unexplainable things have been happening around me, and I’m not sure I should tell anyone. But If I don’t share it with someone, I’ll just burst. That’s where you come in, Diary.

I always tell Raz everything, but suddenly being struck with the power to heal others isn’t information I need to be sharing with anyone just yet. You read that right; I can heal people. Well, at least I think I can. I’ve had three separate instances this week where two people, and one pet-shop guinea pig, were suddenly healed after I came in contact with them. Crazy, right? I mean, why me? What makes me so special? And why now?

Truth is, there was a time when I … well … okay, no one knows this, Diary; not my mom, my older brother, Wyatt, not even Raz, but when my dad was sick, just before he passed away, I wanted so badly to be able to take his illness away – to just pull it out of him and dispel it. I remember on my seventh birthday, when I blew out those candles, I wished with my entire soul, for him to get better. I remember gazing at his frail, withered appearance, after my vicious puffing extinguished the final thin, pink-swirled candle. I remember thinking I’d performed some wondrous magic. When you’re seven, you believe in that stuff – you believe in everything. Call it what you want: Magic, miracles, super powers, whatever… When you’re a kid, you can feel these moments when you think something amazing has just happened. Something that makes your heart feel like it just expanded wider than it ever has; that moment where nothing ugly in this world matters because all you can see is the beauty, surrounding it. That’s what you feel when you’re a young kid and something incredibly unexpected happens, like coming home to a freshly baked batch of chocolate chunk cookies for no particular reason … or getting a snow day off from school … or having your birthday wish come true…. But you should know, Diary, that my wish never did come true that year. That feeling I had when I blew out those candles, was totally premature. Or should I say, “immature”; just a little kid with a big wish. A wish that deep down, beyond that heart-swelling feeling, I knew would never really come true. Sorry to be such a downer, Diary, but if what I can do is truly real, then why did it happen now? Why not six years ago? Life is really strange that way, isn’t it? Things never turn out the way we map them out in our own minds, but I suppose there is a reason for everything that’s happening to me. Grandma Trisha always tells me: “Let life travel where it wants to go; just savor the journey.” I think I get my passion for writing from her, but don’t tell mom I said that.

You should know, Diary, that I just paused for a ginormous yawn, so, clearly, I’m not going to figure this all out tonight. I’d better get to bed; I promised Raz I'd meet her at the library tomorrow to work on our homeostasis paper for Science Class. Well, Diary, thanks for listening. I feel a lot better now that I was able to share all of this with you. Maybe I’m crazy; maybe all of these things have just been a strange coincidence. Maybe I am just a typical kid, with an overactive imagination. I’ll keep you posted. Oh, and, Diary … thanks for keeping my secret.

The winner of a signed copy of A Girl Named Willow Krimble is...

Shannon J!

Book Review: Static (+ extras)

2012-01-05T11:00:00.027-05:00

Be careful what you listen to...

During the summer before her senior year, 17 year old band groupie, Salem Vale, has been following her favorite punk rockers, Malice, from gig to gig hoping that one night she might get backstage and meet the sinisterly sexy guys. She’s been saving her virginity for the lead singer Thane. One fateful evening she gets her wish. It’s a dream come true.

Except the dream turns to a nightmare when she wakes up in a dumpster, tossed away like yesterday’s trash, with no memory of what happened the night before. She feels strange, different, as if something is trying to get out. Soon she realizes she’s changing…turning into something not quite human.

Now a hunger deep inside claws at her to feed, to siphon energy from those around her. Before she can do just that, Trevor, the band’s roadie shows up and stops her from killing. With his help she learns to control the hunger inside, because he’s just like her. And in return he wants her help to do one little thing…

Help him kill the members of Malice.

I recently read Static by Tawny Stokes. Starting with the cover... seriously... I love it. I think it's definitely one that'll catch eyes on a shelf. I would, however, recommend this for the older crowd. It's definitely not for tweens.

I really enjoyed Salem, the book's main character. She was funny and sassy and wasn't perfect. She's dealing with a lot and messing up along the way. Too often characters are "perfect" and that bugs me. Salem was very refreshing. Also, Salem Vale... I kinda want her name.

The supporting characters weren't always likable, but they really fit into the story well. Their interactions and dialogue are realistic. Static fits in the YA Urban Fantasy category, but stands out as being unique. The story is unlike any I've come across.

I admit that I don't read a lot of self published books, but this one was one of my favorites. My biggest issue were some of the continuity errors. One page says 7:30; on the next it's at 6:00. And there were a few times where I stopped with a "Whut? That word doesn't sound right." Little things that could have benefitted an editor or more betas. But all-in-all it was a fast, fun read. I'll definitely be reading more from Tawny Stokes.

Below the wonderful cover you'll find an interview with our heroine and an excerpt of chapter one. And be sure to visit Tawny Stokes' site for more info on her and get books.

Character Interview

A big thank you for having me today. I have the pleasure of bringing Salem Vale from my book Static with me today…well it took some persuading to get her here….

You said you were taking me to that Doc Marten store.

I know I did, and I will, after this interview….

Fine.

So, here we go….fast five with Salem Vale.

Five favourite bands:

Sick Puppies, Korn, Sum 41, Papa Roach, and Red, I actually like a lot of bands but those are the first ones to come to my head. Oh and I used to love Malice until they messed me up.

Five favourite foods:

Um, pizza, tacos, hot pockets, hamburgers, and like gummy bears.

Five favourite movies:

Jennifer’s Body, Shaun of the Dead, 28 Days Later, Paranormal Activity, and Superbad. I love me some Michael Cera.

Five favourite books:

Do graphic novels count as books? I did read that Hunger Games book. It was pretty cool. Oh, and basically anything Neil Gaiman writes. He’s a rock star.

Five favourite actors:

Hmm, there’s that dude from True Blood…the Viking. He’s hot. Um, Johnny Depp for sure. He’s uber cool. Emile Hirsch for sure, oh and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And Michael Cera of course.

Can we go to that store now? I really want a new pair of books. These ones have holes in them.

Sure, Salem, thanks for coming out today and sharing a little about yourself.

Yeah, no sweat. I’ll catch you all later.

STATIC EXCERPT
Chapter 1

You belong to me…

I own you…

The hypnotic timbre of Thane’s voice surged through my body making me tingle all over. Like a rush of heroin injected into my vein, soothing me, exciting me, I was completely and utterly hooked.
The bustling crowd in front of the stage swayed back and forth and I swayed with them. I was caught in the movement—the flow of people stirred like a whirlpool to the intoxicating rhythm and razor sharp lyrics of Malice.

Your life’s in my hands…

I’m sucking your soul…

My favorite band for the past year, I’d traveled, with my best friend Chloe, across Idaho and Washington in the past two months to see them play. My mom had been really cool about it, even lending me her car—an old POS, but a vehicle nonetheless—to drive to the shows just as long as I didn’t drive home trashed. I’d attempted it one night, but got scared when I couldn’t keep it on the road, and pulled over at a rest stop. Chloe and I slept in the car.

Thankfully no crazed psycho killer raped and mutilated us. The worst that came at us was a stray dog looking for some scraps. Chloe gave it the rest of her cheeseburger that we’d picked up a MacDonald’s drive thru after the show.

For eight gigs, I’d been entranced by the four member—three guys and one girl—band. My body responded to every aspect of their music. My head pounded to the constant heady thump of the drums, my heart thrashed to every guitar riff, and my thighs clenched with every word lead singer Thane uttered into the microphone.

Some songs he looked like he was making love to the equipment, running his fingers up and down the silver pole, uttering a lover’s words in its ear. I ached and throbbed wishing I could be that thin pole of shiny metal. If only he’d hold me like that, gripping me tightly, running his sweet lips over my face and neck. My eyes nearly rolled back in my head in ecstasy imagining what that would feel like.

That was when Chloe punched me in the arm starling me from my fantasy. “Salem?”

“What?” I grunted, peering at her between strands of black and blond hair hanging in my eyes.

“Do you want some of this?”

I glanced down to see her passing me some vodka. I took the offered bottle and tipped it to my lips swallowing down a good portion. It burned going down, but it was a good burn, telling me I was still sober. Which I needed to be if I was going to complete my mission of getting a back stage pass to meet the band. This was their final gig for the summer in my home city—Boise, Idaho—and I wouldn’t get another chance to offer up my virginity to Thane. I’d been holding onto it just for him.

My mom had always told me that virginity was a gift and the guy better be someone special enough to give it to. I figured Thane was extremely special. I mean, my mom had given hers up to some Rock God in the 80’s, I suspected it was either Keith Richards or Iggy Pop because she had signed pictures of them both thanking her for a stellar night and when she mentioned either one of them she got this little smile on her lips and a devilish sparkle in her eye.

Before I could hand the bottle back to Chloe, the couple next to us bumped into my arm and I nearly dropped it. I turned around to glare at them, but they were so busy making out that they didn’t notice. That was one thing I did notice about Malice gigs, there always seemed to be a lot of couples kissing and groping each other either on the stage floor or in darkened corners peppered around the venue.

In Spokane, when I went to the bathroom at the club the band was playing in, I happened upon two girls making out in one of the stalls. Although I was an equal opportunity snogger, that had thrown me for a loop. I certainly knew some people were gay, I didn’t have an issue with that—I had an uncle who was gay and a friend at school—it was just I’d never seen it so graphically displayed before.

Once I’d finally given the bottle back to Chloe, she wiped the top with the hem of her t-shirt—I guess she didn’t appreciate my spit—and took a pull, then tucked it back into the pocket of her army green jacket that swam on her lanky but scrawny frame.

“Did you figure out how we’re going to score backstage passes yet?”

Shaking my head, I set my attention on the security guards off to one side of the stage, handing passes on strings to a few big-breasted Goth wannabes. At every show I watched similar guards giving passes to similar types of girls. The two times I’d asked for one, they’d looked me up and down, likely taking in my black 10 holed Doc Martens, jeans-a few worn spots at the knees and on the ass—shaggy mop of black and white hair, and Betty Boop t-shirt that didn’t stretch out to a DD cup, or to a C for that matter and disregarded me in the time it took to do the bra calculations.

This time I came armed. I’d shoved my mom’s silicone gel boobs into my bra under my vintage Sex Pistols t-shirt. That made me go from an A cup to a perky B. I was also wearing my extra special pair of worn jeans that made my ass look good. I’d considered also wearing my mom’s butt enhancer panties—she had real body image issues—but decided against it. I didn’t want to look like a complete whore.

“I’m going to ask real nice.” A trickle of sweat ran down the back of my neck. I wiped at it. I really didn’t want to have sweat stains on the back of my t-shirt. The heat in the club was nearly oppressive. Too many bodies packed into too small a room.

Chloe eyed me dubiously, black eyeliner starting to run down her gaunt cheeks. “You did that the last time. And the security dude was a real dickhead about it.”

“That was before I had these.” I stuck out my chest and cupped my boobs.

Chloe shook her head, her short cap of fire-engine red hair swinging. “Do you really think that’s going to work?”

“Duh? That’s all guys understand. Boobs. It’s as if they are actually communicating with them, the way they stare.”

“Well, then, good luck with hypnotizing these security assholes with your perfect B boobs.” Chloe laughed. “You should go soon cuz it sounds like they’re getting ready to wrap up the set.”
She was right. Devon, the girl band member, stepped forward to roll into her bass solo, her pink Tokyopop pigtails bouncing to the rhythm. It was the beginning of their song, Sin City, which they always played second to last. Straightening my shoulders, I made my way, by pushing and shoving, through the pulsating crowd toward the right side of the stage.

When I reached my destination, there were three bimbos standing in front of me giggling and jiggling at the two beefy security guys. It just about made me want to barf. I actually had to put my hand to my mouth just in case I did.

“Excuse me,” I yelled over top one of the girl’s bleached blond head. “Can I get a couple of passes?”

The blond whipped around to glare at me. She had one of those hoops in her nose that made her look like a bull. I wondered if I waved a red flap if she’d charge at me. She looked scary enough to do just that.

One of the security guys looked me up and down. “Sorry. I just ran out.”

I noticed the passes dangling from the all three of the girls’ hands. “They got some.”

“Those were my last three.” He shrugged and went back to ogling one of the three girls who was wearing a black fishnet top and nothing underneath. I think her nipples were even pierced. I managed to spy a glint of sliver when she turned to glare at me too.

Blondie continued to glare at me. “Why don’t you run along little girl? Go play with your Goth Barbie.”

I hated when people assumed I was so young. I was seventeen but short—five feet one—and I got mistaken for fourteen all. The. Time. It didn’t help that I was small too—a whopping size one—with petite delicate features courtesy of my mom who looked like a punk pixie most days with her short spiky black hair and colorful tattoos covering a lot of her tight compact body.

So it didn’t surprise me when my hands began to shake from the anger welling up. I despised confrontation but right now I hated not having a back stage pass even more. I glanced up at the stage and watched as Thane moved around with his long sinuous limbs and silky black hair falling in his perfect pale face making my stomach clench. I had to get backstage no matter what.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” I finally said.

She arched her pierced eyebrow and set one hand on her ample hip. “Excuse me? Who do you think you’re talking to?”

I took in her appearance, noticing she wore cheap purple hair extensions, I could plainly see one of the clips in her hairline at her temple, and her face was adorned with several piercings. She looked like she’d been put together with pins.

I smirked. “Skankenstein?”

The two security guys laughed at that, as did one of her friends but not the one with her nipples poking out.

“You bitch!” she shrieked.

I didn’t expect her to hit me. But she did. Hard. An open hand slap right across my left cheek. It stung like hell. I’d never been slapped before and didn’t realize how badly it could hurt. I think my lip was cut as well because I could taste blood in my mouth. I glanced down at her hand and noticed the solid silver rings on her hand. The bitch had turned them in.

“Hey,” one of the security guards shouted, “If you’re going to fight take it outside.”

A little crowd started to form around us. The scent of blood always got teenagers’ attentions. We were like animals in that regard. I don’t know how many times I’d been in one of those crowds watching as two or three or more people beat the crap out of each other for pathetic and irrelevant reasons.

I could read the lips of the guys standing closest to us as they passed the word on about the bitch fight about to happen. What was it with guys wanting to watch two girls fight? I really hated to be in the middle of one, all eyes watching, ready for the scratching and hair pulling that usually entailed in a girl fight and hoping for blood.

Usually a loner, I didn’t like a lot of attention. Preferring to stick to my three or four good friends, I didn’t much like being in a crowd, except at a gig. But then when I came to a Malice concert, it was always just between me and the band. The crowds never bothered me. I just came to hear the music and watch the sexy guys on the stage—I came for the rock fantasy.

So standing in front of a fuming blond bimbo out for blood in a fighting circle surrounded by twenty or thirty people wasn’t making me feel all that good. Again, I felt like I was going to barf. I didn’t want to fight. I wasn’t big on violence; I didn’t even play fighting games on my DS. But I was not the type of person to back down either. My mom had always taught me to stick up for myself. Although I’m sure she didn’t mean that I should punch the shit out of this girl. Even if I wanted to.

Rubbing my cheek, I tried to appeal to the girl’s reasonable side, assuming she possessed one. “I think for that you should give me your backstage pass. We’ll call it even.”

She laughed. “Not likely.” Then she shoved me hard. I stumbled backwards into the murmuring crowd. Two sets of hands pushed me back into the circle. Hey, thanks guys!

It was obvious I wasn’t going to walk away from this easily. Or at all by the murdering look in the blond’s eyes. But no one ever said being a groupie was easy.

Not sure what to do, I glanced up and locked gazes with Thane. He was standing near the side of the stage looking down at me; the microphone stand gripped tightly, his dark eyes piercing me. Heat blossomed inside of me. I’d never been looked at like that by a guy before. As if he wanted to devour me from the toes up. I put a hand to my stomach where butterflies started to flip flop around like beached fish.

A rush of something I couldn’t name shot through my body. Adrenaline or lust, I didn’t know which, but whatever it was made me feel really good. Powerful even. Sexy. Like one of the female members of the X-Men. Storm maybe, or Rogue, maybe even Dark Phoenix before she went insane and killed everyone.

Whatever it was, I liked it.

Putting my attention back on my blond nemesis, I decided I needed to act if I was going to get out of the situation. Faster than I knew I could move, I reached up and snatched the bull ring from her nose.

She screamed and grabbed her nose with both hands. Blood seeped between her fingers to drip on the floor.

The sound of her skin and cartilage ripping made me shiver. Even above the music I had heard it ring in my ears. I felt bad for liking the sound, but she had it coming.

Her two friends gathered her in the safety of their arms but they both stared at me with a mixture of venom and apprehension. I suspected no one saw that coming. I certainly hadn’t.

In a daze, I looked around me, and noticed that she’d dropped her backstage pass onto the floor. Leaning down I snatched it up and smiled. I finally got my backstage pass.

As I hung it around my neck, my gaze met Thane’s once again. He was singing the last lines of their last song but he was watching me. And he smiled.

I smiled in return.

Guest Post: The Teen Inside Me (Tawny Stokes)

2012-01-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

I’m pretty sure I never really grew up. Not really. Sure I got married and had a kid, and got divorced and pay taxes and pay bills. I do all the adult things I’m supposed to. But deep down inside I still feel 16. Which is probably why writing YA feels so normal to me.

I’ve written a lot of books for adults but it wasn’t until I started writing YA that it felt truly right. Static was the first YA I’d written. And it was an easy book to write. And a joy to write. Some of it was like jotting down old memories. Vivid memories that I could still see, and hear and feel.

Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Salem’s experiences were mine. Although I had attended many gigs when I was a teen, and I did travel around following different bands, I have in no way had any contact with an incubus and have ever been turning into anything unnatural. *looks in mirrors checks eyes*. Nope, still good.

It was the same when I wrote Demon Whisperer. It was easy. Well, not easy easy, all writing is hard, but I didn’t have to think about what I was writing, it just flowed. The difficult part was not interjecting my thought processes into the way Caden would think and behave. He’s 17 and I’m well, not 17, and I have many life experiences, I’ve learned the hard way some tough lessons. So, sometimes it proved difficult to allow Caden to make those mistakes when I knew better. I didn’t want Caden to do dumb stuff, make poor decisions, but I knew to keep his voice authentic I had to let go. And remember all those painful moments from my teen years. In some ways, it was fun to relive them. Like first love. That’s always my favourite thing to re-experience, that rush. And Caden’s got it bad for Aspen. J

So now I’ve come up with the 5 ways you can tell you have a teenager living inside of you, for all those adults out there…

1. You call everyone dude
2. Your thumbs have callouses from texting
3. Your iPod, iPhone and other devices are part of your iDentity
4. You are either Team Gale or Team Peeta, or the fact that you think in teams when it comes to dudes
5. Other words in your vocabulary are: epic, uber, junk and awesomesauce
6. You watched the Hunger Games movie trailer ten times in a row. (Okay, that might’ve just been me)

Guest Post: Reinvention (Tawny Stokes)

2012-01-04T22:13:00.003-05:00

Ch-ch-changes…as David Bowie’s iconic song streams through my head, I think about all the changes I’ve made in the past year. There has been quite a few. Some small, and some major. Some personal like my continual battle with Pepsi addiction, but most are related to my writing career.

As probably a lot of you know, there has been tons of turmoil in the publishing industry, and unfortunately since I haven’t found huge success in the paranormal field, that turmoil has affected me, as well as tons of other authors I know and love. As with all strife, its how you handle it that makes the difference. And I’ve never been one to let anything get me down. I’ve been dropped by publishers even before this industry shakeup. Kensington dropped me after my disastrous showing in sales of my adult post-apocolyptic book Inferno, the sequel to Hell Kat. And I kept going.

After my third book came out from Harlequin Nocturne, I did some soul searching, and realized I really didn’t belong in the current paranormal romance field, IMHO. I realized I had a strong voice for YA, so I wrote one, and sent it to my agent and she shopped it, and shopped it and shopped it. And unfortunately, it didn’t hit. So I wrote another YA, and sent it to my agent and she shopped it and shopped it and shopped it. We came closer with this one, so close it makes me cry just thinking about it. But through this all I realized that I LOVE writing YA.

Also through this shake up, I went back to my first love, writing screenplays. I actually started writing them before I ever wrote a book. So I’ve written a couple of scripts, and in the past year, I’ve secured a Hollywood manager, and a producer who loves my work and my voice and we have developed a TV show pilot together, (which is actually based one of my YA books) and it is currently at the networks being considered. Wheeeeeeee!! I have a few other scripts being read as well by various producers. I’m very excited about the future for me in movies and TV.

Oh right, back to books…. J

So through this all, and the rise of ebooks, and the kindle, I decided to selfpublish as well. I’ve already released an adult urban fantasy called GLIMMER, under my Vivi Anna name, and I’ve just released my first YA, called STATIC, under my real name Tawny Stokes. And through this all I realized that all I really want to write is YA. I’m very excited about the choices that authors have now. I’m excited about the future of publishing for authors. We have many paths to take to get to publication. It’s a brave new publishing world and I’m very excited to be part of it.

Oh, and for all those cupcake lovers out there, Mocha are you listening? I just recently had the most amazing cupcake in all the world…at Pink Sugar Cupcakery in Victoria, British Columbia. I had their trademark cake the Pink Sugar. It was the most delicious thing I have ever tasted in my whole life. And they do orders online…I’m just saying. J

Guest Post: A Few of my Favorite YA Things (Tawny Stokes)

2012-01-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

I love to read YA books. They are usually all I read now. I find that I am always surprised when I pick up a new book. I don’t already have expectations like I would when I pick up a paranormal romance or urban fantasy these days. Yes, I have been disappointed by some YA books, but for the most part I enjoy every one I read. And it’s not just books, I love teen movies ever since I was a teen. Some of my favourite movies are teen oriented. I think basically I am still 16 living in a 40 year old form.

Here are some of my favourites:

BOOKS:

Hunger Games (trilogy) – Suzanne Collins

Gone (series ) – Michael Grant

Devouring (trilogy) – Simon Holt

Matched – Ally Condie

Divergent – Veronica Roth

Unwind – Neal Shusterman

Before I Fall – Lauren Oliver

Delirium – Lauren Oliver

Forest of Hands and Teeth – (series) – Carrie Ryan

MOVIES:

Easy A

Superbad

Jennifer’s Body

The Faculty

The Craft

Juno

Breakfast Club

Valley Girl

Tell me about your favourite YA books and movies.

2011: A Year in Review

2012-01-01T12:00:00.002-05:00

This year was a big year. I grew a bit more serious about reviewing books on my blog. I've been networking with authors and publishers. And I'm really excited about the results. I also recently started a Tumblr.

I read many incredible books this year. It's impossible to pick one favorite. But a few that stood out...

I loved everything I read by Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, Holly Black, Kim Harrison, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Vincent, and Maggie Stiefvater. But that wasn't much of a surprise. I've been a fan of theirs for years. Melissa released her first adult novel this year with Graveminder. I might even like it more than her faeries. Speaking of faeries, Maggie's The Scorpio Races was amazing. Another book that might've topped my old favorite of hers.

I started a couple of new series this year. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready had been on my shelf since it came out. I finally picked it up, and I loved it. Shift and Shine will definitely be high up on my 2012 tbr pile. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore was a fun, fast read, and I'm eager to continue the series. Ash by Malinda Lo was a fantastic retelling of Cinderella. I can't wait to read Huntress. Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey was an incredible debut.

An old trilogy I picked up was The Secret Circle by L. J. Smith, originally published in the 90's. I picked it up before the show premiered. And while I enjoy both, they are very different.

I also read a couple of stand-alone novels. Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr was beautifully written. I've not been disappointed by any of her books. And How to Save a Life was even more incredible. She's definitely one of my favorite YA contemporary authors. I came across a used library copy of the out-of-print The Selchie's Seed by Shulamith Oppenheim. It's very short, and I had to force myself to put it down and make it last more than one sitting. It was beautiful. Definitely one I'll be rereading this coming year.

I've been trying to read more middle grade fiction since I have so much of it on my shelf. I really enjoyed Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson and A Girl Named Willow Krimble by Guiseppe Bianco. The latter was originally published as a freebie online and later self published in book and ebook format. I read it in two sittings. I read the first half, and then put it down. But then picked it back up thirty minutes later and finished it out. Another wonderful MG book was The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

I'm not big on the classics, but I did finish Through the Looking-Glass this year, and I'm still making my way through the Narnia series. I plan to finish the last two in 2012 as well as read The Wind in the Willows.

This was a big year for manga and graphic novels. I continue to be a huge fan of Bill Willingham's Fables series. I discovered a YA line of graphic novels called Minx and have enjoyed several of their titles, including Clubbing, Emiko Superstar, and The Plain Janes. I read all 8 volumes of Chobits by Clamp. I loved that series and plan to read their Cardcaptor Sakura series in 2012, as well as xXxHoLic. I'm also excited about rereading the rereleases of Sailor Moon. Other manga I fell I love with in 2011 was Kuroshitsuji, aka Black Butler.

And now for the giveaway! I'm giving away a copy of one of my favorite 2011 reads, A Girl Named Willow Krimble by Guiseppe Bianco. Trust me, you want to read this one.

To enter:
1. Follow this blog using GFC.
2. You must be 13 or older. (Since this book is MG, everyone ages 9-12 may be entered, but please have a parent do it for you.)
3. Open internationally.
4. Please fill out this form.

So... those were my favorite books of 2011. What were yours?

Winners: Speak

2011-12-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

And the winner, of one copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is...

Kare

*I was going to give away two copies, but due to the low number of entries, I'm giving away one now and will save one for a giveaway later

Book Review: Witch Eyes

2011-12-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

I was really looking forward to Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey. My best friend had talked about how much she was looking forward to it in 2010 that I immediately put it on my to read list. Not only that, but I put it on my 11 Must Reads of 2011 list. I got an early signed copy of it at PAYA back in August, and it took me a bit longer to get to it than I had planned. But I finally read it last week and loved it!

Braden, the main character, is a witch. And he's returning to Belle Dam where a witch feud has been taking place for a while. He has a special gift. A sight which allows him to see more than anyone else. But it causes him severe migraines, so he wears sunglasses to block it out. But he learns in Belle Dam that he is not the first with this gift.

The history of the town and Grace Lansing were interesting. And Lucien was a fascinating character. I liked Catherine a lot, but I'm not sure I should. This is one of those rare books where the main character is narrating and you (and he) aren't sure who to trust, but you like everyone anyway. Usually, if I can't trust you, I don't like you.

Other things I enjoyed: Braden is gay. It's something he's not had much acceptance for, but he and Trey fall for each other and are absolutely adorable together. It's also narrated by a male character. Something we're finally starting to see a lot more of in the YA collection. And witches! I love vampires, faeries, werewolves, etc... but I love none of them more than witches!

This is definitely a book to look for if you haven't read it. And look for Demon Eyes in 2012!

Happy Birthday Giveaway

2011-12-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to me! On December 23 actually. So I'm giving away two copies of one of my favorite books: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

If you want to win a copy, you must:
1. Follow my blog via GFC.
2. Be 13 or older.
3. Have a US mailing address. (Sorry, I can't afford shipping out of the US at this time.)
4. Leave a comment on my blog about why you want to win Speak and your email so I can contact you.

Meeting Authors: Cassandra Clare, Michelle Hodkin, and a surprise

2011-12-09T10:39:00.009-05:00

I went down to Bethesda Maryland last night to meet Cassandra Clare and Michelle Hodkin at an event at the library. When I got there, the room was packed, and I got in line to buy my books. Then this conversation happened.

Me: I'd like The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Bookstore Lady: There are no more.
Me: What do you mean there are no more?
BL: We didn't think many people would want this one.
Me: Every time I come to a signing here with a stack of books you all are unhappy that I'm not buying books from you. Then I come here to buy from you, to support your indie store, and you run out. Next time I'll make sure I buy my books in advance.

So then I walked out. It was a bit more dramatic then intended. And I was aware people were watching the conversation. I don't do dramatic, but I was annoyed. Because these people always lecture on supporting the indie, which I'm happy to do. And I had Cassie's signature in a couple of books already, so I was mostly there for Michelle Hodkin. Anyway, we're a few blocks from a B&N, so I was going to call and see if they had a copy. Then run over and get it. The bookstore lady followed me out to the doors of the library and said there was one copy they had pulled for the raffle, but they'd sell it to me instead. I was happy to get the book, but felt a bit guilty until I found out they had only brought 20 copies. And that this had been an issue before.

Sending a well-known, successful author with a debut author is a marketing strategy. People will go for the author they know and love and hopefully pick up the other book. This isn't a trick. It's actually a good strategy. Though I was interested in Mara Dyer before this event. According to another event attendee, this same indie did something similar at another event. They stocked about 20 of the lesser known author's newest book, which was second in a series, and had ZERO of book one. That's not good business sense nor does it support the author and make attendees happy. Now, while I'm all for supporting the indie book stores, I'm definitely going to be more careful. I'll be calling ahead to make sure they have the book(s) I want, and if I'm concerned about them having it, I'll be bringing a copy I've previously purchased. And if you're reading this, and you are an indie store, set polls or rsvps on your site to get an idea of how many books to order. I wouldn't be opposed to ordering ahead of time and pre-paying to ensure I get my copy.

Now... enough of my ranting and on to the good stuff!

Cassie Clare talked a bit about her inspiration for her Shadowhunters. She said a tattoo artist friend of hers had a lot of runes in her sample book which made Cassie think about how warriors may decorate themselves with runes. And after a while the Shadowhunters were born.

Most of the audience's questions were directed at her. Who's her favorite character? Which book is her favorite? Questions that are always hard for authors because it's "like choosing a favorite child." There were also a lot of "OMG! I just love this character!" followed by squeals. When asked which book guy she'd like to date, she responded, with no hesitation, Darcy. Someone asked her why The Infernal Devices was a darker series than The Mortal Instruments. Her reason is because of the time period. Victorian London was a darker place than our world.

Michelle Hodkin also spoke about her inspiration for her book. She was a lawyer, doing civil anti-terrorism litigation. And while she was in New York, she met a woman whose daughter had survived a building collapse. Several of her friends died in that same accident. Michelle also met her daughter. She took their info to pass along to a lawyer who could help them. A year later, she tried to contact the woman and her daughter. Their number had been disconnected, and when researched, she could find no record of them. That night, she started writing the story. When Michelle was asked which book guy she'd like to date, she said she had no idea. However, she said she did like Simon from The Mortal Instruments.

There were so many people at the signing, and I was on the far side of the room, I ended up at the back of the line, where I waited for an hour and 45 minutes. But when I got to the front of the line, Michelle recognized me. She said I was the first person she recognized from my Twitter avatar. This has happened once before, and I was really excited. I feel special! Haha! She was very sweet, and I glad to get to meet her.

And there was a surprise author at the event. While I was waiting in line I looked up and recognized Diana Peterfreund. I know she lives in the area, so it wasn't much of a shock to see her there. I'm not very good at recognizing people from their pictures online, but I've met her twice before. I tweeted that I saw her. And she found me in line, holding up her phone and asked me if I had tweeted her. She ended up standing in line with me while we chatted for about thirty minutes. She was very sweet as well.

All-in-all it was a really great event. I wanted to get pictures to post here, but i was seated in a bad place for taking them. I hope everyone else who attended had a great time as well.

Books vs. Movies: Hugo Cabret

2011-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Orphan Hugo Cabret lives in a wall. His secret home is etched out in the crevices of a busy Paris train station. Part-time clock keeper, part-time thief, he leads a life of quiet routine until he gets involved with an eccentric, bookish young girl and an angry old man who runs a toy booth in the station. The Invention of Hugo Cabret unfolds its cryptic, magical story in a format that blends elements of picture book, novel, graphic novel, and film. Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Selznick has fashioned an intricate puzzle story that binds the reader like a mesmerist's spell.

I have seen The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick on the shelves of book stores for a while now. But I must admit that I had never really paid attention to it until I realized a movie based on the novel would soon be hitting theaters. When I checked it out on Goodreads I found a review by one of my favorite authors, Maggie Stiefvater, who said she loved the book. So I checked it out from my library. I read it in only a few hours. Despite its length, it's a quick, easy read. And I would say probably close to 3/4 of the book is pictures.

The story of Hugo Cabret is beautiful and sad and marvelously entertaining. He lives with his drunk of an uncle in the walls of the train station after his father dies. He has no other family, and then his uncle disappears, but Hugo continues to keep the clocks at the train station running. He becomes a thief to keep himself as fed as he can and to fix his automaton. Before his father died, they began work on a small mechanical man who ran with clockworks. And Hugo continues on their work.

There are some interesting twists and turns, and many of the characters were much more than they initially showed up. As lovely as the story was, the images made it that much more charming. While this book is not written in comic form, it is definitely a graphic novel of sorts. The images are just as important to the story as the words.

Since I enjoyed the book so much, I had to see the movie in theaters. The movie has a shortened title. Just "Hugo". The actors were great, especially Asa Butterfield who starred as Hugo Cabret. In addition to the acting, the effects were great. They weren't over the top, as I've heard many say. I think they were perfect.

According to IMDb, author/illustrator Brian Selznick makes an appearance. I'll have to look for him next time.

As far as movie adaptations of a book go, this one was really close. The order of events weren't changed much. They added and subtracted little. They did, however, cut one of the major supporting characters from the movie. But they did well explaining things, small but important details that are often left out were well done here. My understanding of why so many stories are changed when turned into movies is because pacing in a book is different than pacing in a movie. While I found the book exciting, the movie was somewhat less so. It dragged in a few places.

So... read the book, and then see the movie. Don't miss out! Both were enjoyable.

Book Review: Revealers

2011-12-03T19:29:00.000-05:00

Witchin' ain't easy.

Jules has a rebellious streak, a massive crush on Connor, and the abilities of a Revealer witch. By day, she and her coven friends seem like typical high school seniors. By night, they have the power to make werewolves, vampires, and ghosts reveal themselves, so they can destroy them. It's not exactly cheerleading, but at least the girls know they're doing the world some good.

One by one, Jules's friends turn eighteen and are initiated into the coven's inner circle. And one by one, they are getting completely freaked out. Jules is the youngest, and though her friends are too scared tell her what's going on, something's clearly not right. As her birthday approaches, Jules realizes she's got to find out what's behind the shadows of her coven before it's too late to save her friends...and herself. But what she discovers may be too powerful for even the toughest witches to defeat.

I was pleasantly surprised by Revealers by Amanda Marrone when I read it a few years ago. Honestly, though, I wasn't expecting much considering the reviews I had read. But I picked it up anyway because it looked like a quick read. And I like stories about witches.

This is the first book I remember reading that was set in present tense. When I read the first few pages, I thought it would bother me, but I was quickly swept up in the story and forgot about that. It was fast-paced, so I think present tense worked well.

I liked the main character, Jules. I found the characters to be interesting, and I liked their interaction. I also found it interesting to see witches as the monster hunters. So often they're just another race of supernaturals who co-exist with vampires, werewolves, and the like.

I really enjoyed Revealers and am looking forward to more books by Amanda Marrone.

Fall Into YA Wrap up

2011-12-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

Fall into YA is officially over. : ( But it was fun while it lasted. Thanks to everyone who participated. Congrats to FreakChiq for winning. And also congrats to runners up Spav, Rebecca T, Midnight, and Allie. And to Sandy from Scribing Shadows who didn't know the answers and I made her take the quiz for fun since she's not allowed to win the book she's giving away. =P

YA Quiz Answers

1. Perfect
2. Shut Out
3. Delirium
4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
5. Stolen
6. The Girl of Fire and Thorns
7. Kelley Armstrong
8. The Pledge
9. He kills the dead
10. Voices of Dragons
11. Wicked Lovely
12. Magnus + Tessa/Camille
13. If I Die
14. House of Night
15. Mockingjay

#10 seems to have been the hardest question. Only one person got it. Congrats, Spav! Here is the picture of the little dragon hiding under it's beautiful cover

Dragon!

There are lots of books with fun things hiding under the dust jackets. Check your shelves to look beneath the dust jackets of The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, the House of Night series, and The Hunger Games series. And, my favorite hidden gem, on Fragile Eternity.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this event a fun one!

Fall Into YA Giveaway #4

2011-11-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to week four of Fall Into YA. Sandy of Scribing Shadows is helping me celebrate, and this week we are definitely challenging you all. To a YA quiz!

Congrats to Em who won our last contest. Check your email! Here is her entry!

And our runner-ups!

The prize for week 4 is, you guessed it, a fall YA release. Here are the rules:
1. You must follow both blogs.
2. You must be 13 or over.
3. It's open internationally but please be sure The Book Depository ships to you.
4. Take this quiz!

You may leave comments on the blog asking clarifying questions. I spent a bit of time in the YA section to put this quiz together. None of the questions are spoilers. Most answers can be found by scouring Goodreads. Not every book on the quiz released this year. Most did. But there's nothing more than three years old. And all books are YA. Not adult; not MG; just YA.

This giveaway is open until Wednesday, November 30. The winner will be the person with the highest number of correct answers. If several people have that same number, a winner will be chosen at random from those individuals. Check back the next day to see if you've won. Good luck!

Movie Review: Breaking Dawn part 1

2011-11-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

I'm almost finished reading Breaking Dawn and since I saw the previous 3 Twilight movies on opening weekend, I had to stick with tradition. And I was far enough past the middle of the book to know I had read enough to see part one.

The good...

The acting was far superior in this film. I've been a long-time fan of Kristen Stewart. I think she was wonderful in Speak and Panic Room, so I was disappointed with her acting in Twilight. I'm not sure if it was script or directing or something else entirely, but scenes I was looking forward to laughing at weren't cheesy enough to laugh at. *shock* Not only was her acting better, but R-Patt and Taylor Lautner stepped up their game as well.

Charlie. This guy always gets the best lines. "I know Edward will be a good husband. I know this... because I'm a cop." Actually, out of all the wedding reception speeches, he was the only one that didn't make me cringe. That scene was so uncomfortable and awkward. It only reinforces me not wanting a big wedding.

The music. Of course! These movies have incredible soundtracks.

The bad...

This movie was quite boring. I felt myself getting restless halfway through. It did a good job of following the book, but there just wasn't enough action for my tastes.

CGI wolves. I swear... For a movie franchise that makes so much money I think they would have enough to step up the CGI. They made Bella look sick, completely emaciated, and then transform into a vamp wonderfully. Great scene, visually. And then... there are the fake looking wolves. My client, however, liked them. I work with adults with disabilities, and my one client, upon seeing the wolves, said, "Doggie! Doggie! Woof! Woof!" I was amused.

I think that Breaking Dawn part 1 was the best done movie, but I think it's probably my least favorite. That being said, I'm looking forward to part 2. There is a slight teaser halfway through the credits with the Volturi. I'm looking forward to seeing them in the next movie. Aro is so creepy.

Meeting Authors: Jeff Kinney

2011-11-18T09:46:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you all know how much I love going to book signings. I've been lucky enough to meet dozens of authors. And I've met my top five favorite authors on more than one occasion: Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, Charles de Lint, Holly Black, and Maggie Stiefvater. So when I found out that Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, was going to be in DC to promote his new book, Cabin Fever, I knew I had to take my boy.

Like me when I was his age, he doesn't much care for reading. It's not that either of us were bad with reading or reading comprehension; the problem lies in poor self confidence. I've gotten past that. But not John. However, John loves the Wimpy Kid books, and he was thrilled when I invited him to go with me to DC.

Book six is entitled Cabin Fever. It involves poor Greg being stuck inside while a blizzard rages outside. So to celebrate that, they created a fake snow storm.

Look... fake snow!

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of the snow on the ground and the snowball fight. John and I didn't participate. He was too caught up in reading his new book. In fact, by the end of the evening he was on page 181 out of 224. But I did get a few pics toward the end. They had life-size cut-outs of the characters and cartoon scenes from the book. Here is Rodrick. They had him se up as a ring toss game.

Jeff Kinney rolled in on this bus. Lots of kids screamed when he got off and walked in.

We were in group 7 of 9 with 75 people in each group. Yeah... The place was packed. They were expecting 1200 people, and with over 600 books sold, I'd bet there were close to that many. But people were in and out, so it wasn't too bad. (And nothing compared to how packed RT was when I went in 2010.) John was so excited to meet Jeff. The entire way back to the metro, he kept saying "I can't believe I actually got to meet Jeff Kinney." He was so excited I almost teared up.

He was also excited to find out that two kids from the movie were there. I hadn't told him beforehand, so it was a nice surprise for him. Zachary Gordon who plays the main character, Greg, and Robert Capron who plays his best friend, Rowly were both very sweet. John got a poster of the two of them, signed by both.

It was a great event, and I was so glad I got to take John. We both had an amazing time.

Book Review: Beautiful Chaos

2011-11-17T13:00:00.005-05:00

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is book 3 in the Caster Chronicles. I liked Beautiful Creatures, and I liked Beautiful Darkness even more, so I had high hopes for Beautiful Chaos. It didn't disappoint. I feel like I've been saying that in a lot of my reviews lately: it didn't disappoint. But it's true. I guess I've been on a roll with excellent books lately.

Ethan is back as our wonderful narrator. He is one of my favorite YA boys. He's smart, charming, charismatic, and protective without being overbearing. And his caster girl, Lena, is going through even tougher stuff after coming face-to-face with her evil mother in the last installment. And don't forget sidekick Wesley Lincoln, aka Link, aka Linkubus. I must admit I was never a fan of his til now. I mean, I liked him okay, but his character was so much more fun here, that I really like him.

One thing I love about these books are the characters: Amma, Macon, Ridley, the aunts, Marian... The list keeps going. It's impossible not to love than all. Except the baddies, of course. And the setting is amazing. I'm not from the south, but I'm close enough that I've been to the area where the fictional Gatlin would be if it existed. It's a beautiful area. But the gothic twist with secrets and interesting history weaves everything together so beautifully.

I'm seriously in love with Ethan Wate and these books. I can't wait to see what happens after the way Beautiful Chaos ends.

Fall Into YA Giveaway #3

2011-11-17T09:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome to week three of Fall Into YA. Sandy of Scribing Shadows is helping me celebrate.

Congrats to Molly Gibson-Mee who won our last contest. (Check your email for a message from Sandy.) Her dream boyfriend pick was Simon from the Mortal Instruments series. There were more votes for Jace, but I'm going to have to stick with Molly on this one. Simon is a much better choice. Also, I agree with all of you who love Tod. He's always been my favorite guy from that series.

And for week 3, we are giving away a third fall YA release. Rules are as followed:

1. You must follow both blogs.
2. You must be 13 or over.
3. It's open internationally but please be sure The Book Depository (link) ships to you.
4. Recreate a book cover.

Pick any YA book that released this year and recreate that cover. Sandy and I will choose a winner. Feel free to post your cover on both blogs, but that isn't necessary. And it won't earn you extra points. But make sure you post it either here or at Scribing Shadows.

This giveaway is open until Wednesday, November 23. Check back the next day to see if you've won and to check out giveaway #3.

Fall Into YA Giveaway #2

2011-11-10T11:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome to week two of Fall Into YA. Winner of our first contest is April X who chose The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. Congrats!

This week, our contest is something you'll need to work for. ; ) Think of all the YA books you've read, and pick one character who you think would be the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend for you. Tell me who they are and why you picked them. Leave your email so I can contact you if you win. You must be 13 or older. Contest is open internationally, but please be sure Book Depository ships to you. Winner chooses any YA book that releases this fall.

Want an extra chance to win? Be sure to check Scribing Shadows for a similar contest. One winner chosen between both blogs/contests. Winner chosen at random so don't worry if your entry isn't original. Good luck!

Novella Review: Badlands

2011-11-02T11:07:00.001-04:00

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...

Out of everything I've read by Seleste deLaney, and I've read almost all of it, Badlands is my favorite. It begins with Ever, a warrior, who is in the midst of a battle. After being attacked, their monarch slain, Ever must escape the battle to find the queen's daughter who will be the new queen. As she scales a mountain she is picked up by an airship, The Dark Hawk. The captain of The Dark Hawk has his own mission, but together maybe Spencer and Ever can complete both.

I've not had the chance to read much steampunk. But the whole concept interests me. It's a fascinating period, historically, and then the added sci-fi elements really make it stand out within the fantasy genre. Badlands includes action, adventure, airships, clockwork animals, and romance. It's definitely not one to miss. (But keep in mind this one is not YA.) I can't wait for the sequel!

Winners!

2011-11-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

The winner for Forever Summer by Seleste deLaney is...

literati_rain66!

And the winner for The Scorpio Races is...

Samantha W!

Congrats to you both! And be sure to check your emails in the next few days on the progress of your book. : )

Fall Into YA Kick-Off and Giveaway

2011-11-01T13:27:00.000-04:00

It's the month of November, and here at Aine's Realm we are celebrating Fall! But I'm not celebrating alone. Joining me is Sandy of Scribing Shadows.

Kicking off our Fall Into YA celebration will be a simple giveaway.

Rules:
1. You must follow both blogs.
2. You must be 13 or over.
3. It's open internationally but please be sure The Book Depository (link) ships to you.
4. Fill out this form. Sandy and I are using the same form, so DON'T fill it out in both places.

What's the prize you ask? Any YA book that releases this Fall. Preorders count.

This giveaway is open until Wednesday, November 9. Check back the next day to see if you've won and to check out giveaway #2.

Book Review: If I Die

2011-10-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

If I Die is the fifth book in Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series. And it is, by far, my favorite. I don't really know how to review this book and keep it spoiler-free. But no worries... I'm going to try.

Kaylee and Nash are trying to work things out and get back to where they were. Sabine is still around and still in love with Nash. And poor Tod is still on the fringes, his feelings for Kaylee going unnoticed. Well... only unnoticed by Kaylee. Tod shows up one afternoon to deliver awful news. Kaylee's name is on a reaping list. And since her lifeline is borrowed, she can't trade it again. Which means she'll die. But before that, she makes it her goal to get rid of the new math teacher hottie, an incubus eager to reproduce, who comes on to Kaylee's bestie, Emma.

The plot in If I Die was more intense and complicated than the previous four novels. And it kept me on the edge of my seat, curious as to how Ms. Vincent was going to pull this one off. The main character is supposed to die, but be around to narrate book 6?!

If you haven't picked up this series... Seriously, what are you waiting for? The Soul Screamers is definitely one of my favorite YA series, and I cannot wait for Before I Wake.

Book Review: How to Save a Life

2011-10-26T18:49:00.000-04:00

...what it means to be a family and the many roads we can take to become one...

Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. You can't lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that's exactly what it feels like she's trying to do. And that's decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?

Mandy Kalinowski knows what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?

How to Save a Life is written in first person narrative, alternating between Jill and Mandy. Jill has recently lost her father, her best friend. And she's a new person. Old Jill is nowhere to be found. She's coping in her own way, and her mother, Robin, is coping in her own way. One way her mother is coping is by taking Mandy in. Mandy is a pregnant teenager who wants to give her child up for adoption. To Robin. So after leaving her mother and Kent, Mandy travels by train to Denver to meet her baby's new family.

Jill is against the adoption completely. She doesn't want a sister, and she doesn't want to see her mother get hurt should things not go as planned. And Jill has good reasons to not trust Mandy. She's lied about important details like the due date, and she refuses to go through legal channels. Red flag, right?

Mandy frustrated me at first. But I came to realize that it wasn't actually her. It was her mother. Someone we don't even see over the course of the story except in flashbacks and explanations for why Mandy is the way she is. (Her momma needs to be slapped hard.) And that's when I started to like Mandy. Which happened to be about the same time I started disliking Jill. I rarely see myself as characters in books. Sometimes I'll find a character I can identify with through a few commonalities. But with Jill, there were more than just a few. Even when she ticked me off and I wanted to slap her, I could see myself doing the same dumb thing, making the same mistakes. There are so many things I want to say but won't for fear of giving too much away.

Due to many similarities between myself and Jill, and the similarities with me/my mom and Jill/her dad, it took me a bit longer to finish How to Save a Life than most novels. Sara Zarr's writing is fantastic, and I often found myself overwhelmed to the point where I had to put it down. The story was incredible and beautifully told and so realistic you feel like you're right there. If you loved Sara Zarr's other books, you'll love this one too. It might be my new favorite of hers. And any lover of contemporary YA will enjoy this one. Don't care for contemporaries? This one just might change your mind. I can't wait to see what Sara Zarr comes out with next!

Manga Review: Laddertop

2011-10-25T00:00:00.006-04:00

The Laddertop - Gift to Earth's Future

Twenty-five years ago, the alien Givers came to Earth. They gave the human race the greatest technology ever seen— four giant towers known as Ladders that rise 36,000 miles into space and culminate in space stations that power the entire planet. Then, for reasons unknown, the Givers disappeared. Due to the unique alien construction of the Laddertop space stations, only a skilled crew of children can perform the maintenance necessary to keep the stations up and running.

Back on Earth, competition is fierce to enter Laddertop Academy. It is an honor few students will achieve. Robbi and Azure, two eleven-year-old girls who are the best of friends, are candidates for the Academy. They will become entangled in a dangerous mystery that may help them solve the riddle of the Givers...if it doesn’t destroy the Earth first!

Laddertop, volume 1 is the first installment in an American manga trilogy written by Ender's Game author, Orson Scott Card, and his daughter Emily Janice Card. It was illustrated by Honoel Ibardolaza. I was offered the chance to review this manga by its publisher, Tor Seven Seas. And I jumped at the chance.

We are introduced first to Azure and then to her best friend Robbi (short for Roberta). Both are middle school girls who are waiting to hear if they get to go to Laddertop Academy. Laddertop is one of four towers that extend up to outer space and culminate in a space station. And one of the jobs isn't something just anyone can do. These people have to be small enough to fit into the work space. Meaning they hire short middle schoolers for this job. And they are very selective. As suspected both girls are chosen and whisked off to training.

Right from the start I was under the impression that Azure was the heroine. She had the stronger personality. I could not have been more pleased when I found out I was wrong. That girl drove me crazy. Robbi, on the other hand, reminded me of myself. The other kids were fun and interesting, and, like many middle grade books, the adults aren't completely trustworthy.

The story started off slow, and a bit confusing, but it soon picked up and ended on an exciting note. I blame that on this being the first volume, thus needing the setup and world building. I'm excited for volume 2 where the story should be even more interesting and exciting. If you enjoy sci-fi and graphic novels, you won't want to miss this one.

Short Story Review: Forever Summer (and giveaway)

2011-10-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

“Relax. I don‟t bite...at least not in public.”

With her dreams of a career by the sea shattered, Katya's trying to be happy with two weeks in the Florida Keys. But when her rental ends up infested, she's ready to go home. At least until Jay, the handyman next door, comes to her rescue.

Sweet, talented & sexy, he's all she ever wanted in a man. Too bad he's only hanging out with her because he's such a nice guy.

Or is he?

"Forever Summer" is the fourth story I've read by Seleste deLaney. The first two were paranormal short stories, and then a steampunk novella. "Forever Summer" was the first contemporary story she has published. It is currently available at only one place: 1 Place for Romance.

I really enjoyed this short story. It went back and forth between two points of view: Katya and Jay. Katya is horrified to find the rental house to be infested with bugs and the porch falling in as you walk on it. So she ends up sleeping in her neighbor's hammock. Enter super smexy Jay, who doesn't seem to bothered to find the lovely Katya using his hammock. Jay is the handyman, and while he fixes up Katya's rental, is nice enough to let her bunk with him.

This was a cute, sweet romance set in the lovely Florida Keys. It's fun, but far too short. And definitely not to be missed if you're a fan of romance. By the way, did you know it won the published author short story contest over at 1 Place for Romance?

Want to win an e-copy from me? Leave a comment on this review (must be a follower) and follow Seleste deLaney's blog. Must be 18 or older to enter. Please include your email address in the comments section. Winner drawn Nov 1.

Press Release: The Blacksmith's Daughter

2011-10-19T14:44:00.000-04:00

Musa Publishing Launches Euterpe YA Imprint

An Imprint for YA Lovers in all Genres

Musa Publishing is thrilled to announce that its Young Adult Imprint, Euterpe, launches on Friday, October 21, 2011. With the growing demand for YA books, Musa is looking forward to offering diversity in genres for YA lovers from 13 to 113. From Sweet Romances and fantastical fantasies, to Sensational Sci-fi and a few more thrown in for flavor, Musa will offer something for everyone’s reading pleasure.

Come out for the launch, read about the authors, and join in the fun while picking up some new reading material.

The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Arley Cole is the first book in the Euterpe imprint.

She believes she is only a blacksmith’s daughter, but he must discover the truth or risk losing his land—and his life.

Acwellen Lex'Magen rules as liege lord of a small country bounded by forbidding mountains and powerful neighbors. When the neighboring baron, allied with a powerful wizard, attempts to take over his land, first by political, then by covert means, Acwellen finds an ally of his own in Enith Roweson, an unassuming blacksmith who possesses powers he’s only known of in legends. As he attempts to unravel both the plots against him—including the nature of the monsters sent to assassinate him—and the mysterious powers Enith is only beginning to understand she has, he also finds himself falling in love with the blacksmith’s daughter.

Check out this book and other YA books at http://euterpe.musapublishing.com/
Follow the Euterpe Blog at http://euterpe-ya.blogspot.com/
And Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Euterpe-YA-Books/154593351291764

“Hearts set upon song, spirits free from care”~ Hesiod

# # #

If you'd like more information about Musa Publishing, please contact Elspeth McClanahan at Promotions@Musapublishing.com or go to our blog http://musapublishing.blogspot.com/

Book Review: The Scorpio Races (and giveaway)

2011-10-18T02:00:00.017-04:00

Cappall Uisce
Water Horse

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an arc of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. I loved her previous five novels so I had high expectations for this one. And I wasn't disappointed.

Sean, the returning champion of the Scorpio Races, and his cappall uisce, Corr, return to the beach to train with new racers. Including Puck, and her horse, Dove. Puck intends to race Dove, a horse not much bigger than a pony, against several deadly cappall uisce. They emerge from the sea onto the island of Thisby, hungry for flesh each Autumn. They ravage sheep, dogs, anything they can find, and they return to the sea unless caught to be trained to race. Riders die before the race even begins, and people come from afar to bet on and see this race on the beach of Thisby.

Puck, who's real name is Kate, is one of our main characters. She splits narration with Sean. The two meet and share an instant dislike for each other. Sean doesn't want to see a girl and her horse on the dangerous beach. And Puck doesn't care for this bossy know-it-all. But as time goes by, things change.

Puck is racing to save her family's home - it's just her and her two brothers - and to keep the older one from leaving for the mainland. Sean is racing for the right to buy Corr, his red cappall uisce. But both can't win the races.

I loved this book so much. I almost felt like I was there on Thisby. My favorite part was the festival where the riders announced their decision to race. There were so many incredible aspects to that scene that I loved, but I'll leave those for when you read it. I'm also very much into faery lore. The cappall uisce, which translates to water horse, is a kelpie. Don't get on one's back in the water, or he'll drown you.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Especially if you like faery. The Scorpio Races ranks in at number two of my favorite Maggie books, topped only by Ballad.

Maggie Stiefvater is doing a book signing in two days time. I plan to go and get a copy signed for myself. I also plan to get a copy for one of you! (If I don't make it to the signing, I will give away an unsigned copy.)

1. Must follow my blog
2. Must be 13 or older.
3. Open International (US cover).
4. Fill out this form.

Good luck! Giveaway ends 10/30, midnight EST. Winner announced on Halloween.

Short Story Review: Dark Beauty

2011-10-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

For fifteen-year-old Seeker, Isabelle Crowe, ridding the Houston streets of the undead is an inherited duty, passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. During her first night without her mentor, she encounters Abram, a more experienced Seeker from Chicago looking to avenge his cousin's death. Isabelle quickly learns she must work with Abram to protect her city. With one Seeker already dead, Isabelle's love of the hunt becomes a fight to survive.

"Dark Beauty" is a short story prequel to the novel Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning. Isabelle is a Seeker, trained to hunt vampires. On her first night out alone, she runs into another Seeker. He's in Houston tracking something. Not vampires. Something new. Something worse. Isabelle's not too keen on this new Seeker, but agrees to work with him to destroy this new vampiric race.

"Dark Beauty" was a bit too predictable for my taste. I often felt like I knew what was going to happen before it did. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. They felt more like stereotypes then actual characters. This could be due to the fact that it was a short story. I plan on reading Dark Seeker and hope I enjoy it more than this short story.

Cover Love: Bitterblue

2011-10-07T22:53:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to see that Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore finally has a release date. May 1, 2012. As someone who's been waiting over two years for this book, I'm thrilled by the news. I've seen release dates announced. And I've seen those dates come and go. But this time... we have covers! So I'm going to believe that I will be able to hold this book in my hand next May.

This is the US cover for Bitterblue. It fits with the previous two books in The Seven Kingdoms series.

But, as with Graceling and Fire, I love the UK cover better.

Who else is waiting for this book? Which cover do you like better?

Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (and winner!)

2011-10-02T00:42:00.000-04:00

Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

I was really looking forward to reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. It looked funny, and I had read such great things about it, I was sure it would be fantastic. Also, we don't get enough male POV in YA. The main character, Junior, is a teenage boy who lives with his family on a reservation. But he leaves the reservation everyday for school, to go to Reardon where every student is white and many of them are racist.

I was also looking forward to it because it's been challenged so many times, and it's been banned in more than one of those instances. Why was it banned? Partly because of language. Partly because of violence. But mostly because of sexual content. I read a review on Amazon wherein the reviewer gave the book 1 star and called it filth. Another reviewer basically echoed that and said it should not be read by anyone under 18. Junior admits that he masturbates and drops an f-bomb or two. OMG no wonder it's banned! Those are two things teens never do. Apparently, we're supposed to be 18 before we're allowed to read these words.

I'm very much against banning. You don't want your kid to read it, fine. But don't tell me I can't read it. Don't tell other parents that their kids can't read it. That's not cool. So I will stick up for this book. It shouldn't have been banned. It's almost a crime.

That being said... I wasn't a fan of this book. I liked Junior. His life on "the rez" was interesting. I felt bad for what he went through. And knowing this is semi-autobiographical makes it even more interesting. While I enjoyed the characters and the story, I just didn't care for the writing style. It felt like the author was doing his best to sound crass. And the "You know?" added to the end of a sentence on every other page got old. Okay, so maybe it wasn't that often, but it was there enough to irritate me.

One of the things I loved about this book were the cartoons. Junior is a budding cartoonist, so here were multiple cartoons per chapter. Those were funny and entertaining and caused a few laugh out loud moments. My favorite one was where Junior's friend said he loved books so much it gave him a "metaphorical boner". This book also had a few amazing lines. Lines that almost brought tears to my eyes. My favorite: “If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.”

While I didn't love the book, I think it's one everyone should read. It really makes you think. And I love books like that.

And now... to announce the winner. Congrats to:

Tara (Wild Irish Rose)!

I'll be sending an email shortly. ;)

Rookie Magazine

2011-09-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

a.k.a. my new favorite thing.

I first learned about Rookie Magazine from Stephanie Kuehnert's blog. And I try every weekday to log on and read the selections. There are three selections posted each day, at roughly 3, 7, and 11.

*picture from Rookie Mag welcome letter*

Rookie Magazine, while targeted at teen girls, is fun for any age. I'm 28, and it looks like a lot of the contributors are close to my age. So when they talk about their high school years, it's about the same time I was in high school.

There's fiction, real stories, pictures and photos, playlists, and fantastic art. Definitely check it out and look out for your opportunity to get involved with this online magazine!

Book Review: Shade

2011-09-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready sat on my shelf - signed - for over a year. I had met Jeri a few times, and as another signing came up, I decided I had to read something of hers before then. So... I finally picked up Shade.

I realized as I started it, I hadn't even read the synopsis. I knew it was about ghosts and teens who can see them. But the bit about our main character losing her boyfriend, Logan, surprised me. Yeah, clearly I hadn't read the synopsis. But one thing that shows me is how much I value the opinions of my friends that read and book bloggers. I had picked it up, solely based on hearing others say how good it was.

And I have to agree. It was good. Well... amazing probably fits better. I loved it. I didn't want to put it down. The world Jeri's created, a world where the "shift" has made it so that everyone born after it can see ghosts is complex and interesting. Aura was the first born post-shift, so she can ghosts. In the dark, they shine violet. In the sun, their glow hides them. This is the first time I've ever read a book in which ghosts had rules.

I'm very excited to read book two in the series, Shift. But I'm going to wait a bit closer to the release of book three, Shine, so there is less wait. In the meantime, I'll be checking out Jeri Smith-Ready's other series.

Banned Books Giveaway

2011-09-24T12:00:00.022-04:00

Every year books are challenged. Sometimes it's the same books over and over. My opinion on banning books? I think it shouldn't be allowed. If a parent doesn't want their child to read a book, then that's their business. But no one should be telling other adults or children of others that something isn't appropriate.

To be honest, I think a lot of time, these adults don't give their kids enough credit. Reading about teens drinking, partying, having sex, etc... it's not going to convince a teenager to do those things. So, in honor of banned books week, I'm giving away a wonderful book that has been challenged and banned numerous places.

To enter, you must:
1. Follow this blog.
2. Be 13 or older.
3. Have a US mailing address. (If you don't, but know someone who will send it to you, you can use that address)
4. Fill out this form.

Book Review: A Girl Named Willow Krimble

2011-09-13T22:40:00.004-04:00

She doesn't know magic... She's not a super hero... Her power will amaze you...

So, you’ve just discovered that the person who has tormented, mocked and humiliated you for the past three years is lying in the school parking lot, bleeding internally from a hit and run accident. No one else is around and you need to get to a life-and-death family emergency of your own before it is too late. What would you do? Oh, did I mention you have the secret ability to heal others just by touching them? This is just one of the many situations 13-year-old Willow Krimble must face in this Web Novel, A Girl Named Willow Krimble.

Willow lives with her mother and older brother, Wyatt; she loves hanging out with her best friend, the feisty and sarcastic Razzel Fiora, and she has a close relationship with her grandmother. Seems pretty normal, right? It might be if the two most popular girls in middle school, Shayla Stergus and Snella Burenbine,
did not taunt and remind her, on a daily basis,
that she was born without her left leg.

Forced to maneuver through obstacles most teenagers would not need to tackle, Willow is suddenly blessed (or cursed?) with the unusual power to heal others through touch. Ever selfless, Willow’s desire to help the injured and sick thrusts her into a world where she is given immense responsibility, putting the needs of others before her own, all the while trying to maintain her secret.

Willow’s adolescent journey takes her through an emotional cyclone where she finds joy and purpose in helping an array of patients from an old man with Alzheimer’s to a mauled animal in a pet store. But Willow soon finds out there are limitations to her ability and, no matter how hard she might try, she cannot save everyone.

Through the intermingling of joy and pain, Willow is repeatedly tested to discover just how strong she can be, how strong she has been her entire life, and how everyone possesses the ability to effect another person’s world, with or without a secret power.

I was asked to review A Girl Named Willow Krimble, by author Giuseppe Bianco, months ago. I finally picked it up, and I can't believe how much I loved it! I've not read a lot of middle grade novels. I loved Harry Potter and The Spiderwick Chronicles, but they're fantasy. There's fun and magic. But I've not enjoyed many middle grade contemporary novels. Even though there is a bit of magic in this novel, it's definitely a contemporary.

Willow is a thirteen-year-old girl who finds she has the uncanny ability to heal people. Anything from a small cut or scrape up to Alzheimer's. She has a disability, a prosthetic leg, yet she doesn't let that stop her from being an amazing girl with a lot of strength. I found, even at 28, that I related to Willow. Or, rather, the memory of my tween self related to her. While many of the events in her life are very different than mine were, the effects were very similar. I loved her relationship with Razzel. Such good friends are hard to come by.

This amazing book should be read by everyone. A Girl Named Willow Krimble was originally published for free online. You can read it here. But you really do want a copy of it. Visit this page for information on ordering a copy. And while you're on Willow's site, be sure to check out the extras. Author, Giuseppe Bianco, also illustrated this beautiful cover.

Happy Book Birthday: Dear Bully

2011-09-06T20:32:00.001-04:00

You are not alone

Discover how Lauren Kate transformed the feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the “funny guy” into the best defense against the bullies in his class.

Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.

Bullying is something that, as most of you probably know, starts before kindergarten and doesn’t necessarily stop. Bullies can be small children or grow adults. They can be male or female. And their reason for bullying… unfortunately, they don’t really need one. It seems to be a sport for some.

I’m overweight. I always have been. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to lose weight. I never starved myself. The fact is… I suck at dieting. I love dancing, and I used to have class every night, but it never helped me lose weight. Why am I talking about this? I was picked on and teased my entire childhood for being overweight.

There was not a day that went by that I wasn’t bullied in school. I’ve always been a bit over-sensitive… especially when it comes to my weight. I cried, and that only fueled the fire. James, Morgan, Corey, Matt… I remember their names and their faces. And even now, at age 28, tears come to my eyes when I remember how miserable my life was back then.

I’m excited to read Dear Bully. So many amazing authors participated in this anthology, including: Stephanie Kuehnert, Carrie Ryan, Lauren Oliver, Nancy Werlin, Holly Cupala, Ellen Hopkins, and Cecil Castellucci.

Be sure to check out the Dear Bully website, like the book on Facebook, and follow the Twitter feed. And more importantly... grab this book and get reading.

Book Review: The Selchie's Seed

2011-08-31T10:00:00.027-04:00

I just finished The Selchie's Seed by Shulamith Levey Oppenheim. A mysterious white whale shows up near the shore one evening during a storm. The whale's flipper is torn. Fifteen-year-old Marian finds him, and along with her brother Graeme, they beg their mother to heal him. With just a bit of salve, she heals the white whale.

Marian is drawn to the whale. She can't stop thinking about him. One evening she comes home with a necklace of pearls and a shell, a gift from the white whale. Why is she so drawn to him? He brings Marian's magical heritage to light, much to her father's dismay. For they are a good Christian family. Not pagan.

I love books with faeries, especially selchies. They are a favorite of mine. This novella was amazing. It was beautifully written, and the story itself gorgeous. I fell in love with it so much I had to force myself to put it down and read it in two sittings. It's short, a bit over 80 pages, and it has lovely illustrations by Diane Goode.

It is currently out of print, and I've not been able to find it new. So if you happen to find a copy, pick it up.

Graphic Novel Review: Clubbing

2011-08-30T17:00:00.002-04:00

A spoiled, rebellious London girl takes on the stuffy English countryside in CLUBBING. The crime: Getting caught with a fake I.D. at a posh London nightclub. The punishment: Spending the summer at her Grandparent's stuffy country club. But Charlotte "Lottie" Brook, best known for her mile-high platforms, an expendable wi-fi account and an unbridled passion for classic lit, will end up doing more than just serving time in country boot camp. In between avoiding the strange locals and cake decorating contests, Lottie will narrowly escape romance and end up solving a murder mystery on the 19th hole of her Grandparent's golf course.

Clubbing by Andi Watson is a graphic novel published by Minx, an imprint of DC Comics. Minx graphic novels are targeted at teen girls, and, unfortunately, was short-lived, with only twelve novels published, and leaving three unpublished (including the sequel to Clubbing). The other two were eventually published.

Charlotte is sent to live with her grandparent’s after she is caught with a fake I.D. Lottie arrives in her goth clothing (which I loved seeing), her cell phone, iPod, and other gadgets every teen girl needs. She’s different from the rest of the crowd in this town, until she meets a group of kids that she thinks she’d fit in with. When she and hottie Howard stumble upon a corpse, Lottie suspects her almost friends.

Part of this novel is cute and funny and part is completely ridiculous. However, I really enjoyed reading Clubbing, and the art was fantastic. While this book is no longer being printed, you can still find it at comic book stores and Amazon.

Book Review: Ironside

2011-08-30T13:00:00.007-04:00

A Modern Faery’s Tale

In the realm of Faerie, the time has come for Roiben's coronation. Uneasy in the midst of the malevolent Unseelie Court, pixie Kaye is sure of only one thing -- her love for Roiben. But when Kaye, drunk on faerie wine, declares herself to Roiben, he sends her on a seemingly impossible quest. Now Kaye can't see or speak to Roiben unless she can find the one thing she knows doesn't exist: a faerie who can tell a lie.

Miserable and convinced she belongs nowhere, Kaye decides to tell her mother the truth -- that she is a changeling left in place of the human daughter stolen long ago. Her mother's shock and horror sends Kaye back to the world of Faerie to find her human counterpart and return her to Ironside. But once back in the faerie courts, Kaye finds herself a pawn in the games of Silarial, queen of the Seelie Court. Silarial wants Roiben's throne, and she will use Kaye, and any means necessary, to get it. In this game of wits and weapons, can a pixie outplay a queen?

Holly Black spins a seductive tale at once achingly real and chillingly enchanted, set in a dangerous world where pleasure mingles with pain and nothing is exactly as it appears.

Ironside is the conclusion to Holly Black’s Faery trilogy and direct sequel to Tithe. It brings together Kaye, Roiben, and Corny from Tithe and Luis from Valiant. Roiben finds himself leading the Unseelie Court. And his love, Kaye, is in danger. To keep her safe, he gives her an impossible quest. As all fans of faery fiction know, faeries can’t lie. Her quest is to find a faery who can lie.

Along the way, Kaye ends up telling her mother who she really is. A faery changeling. Resulting in yet another quest… to find her mother’s real daughter who has been hidden in faery all these years. This leads her back into the dangerous world of Faerie, as she becomes a pawn of the Seelie queen.

Ironside, named for the faery's term for our world, is even more exciting than Tithe and Valiant, with even more twists and turns. When I finished this one, I dubbed it my favorite of the three. But, later, I adjusted that, placing it in second place (just under Valiant). But, regardless, it’s an excellent conclusion to an excellent trilogy, and I highly recommend all three of them. As well as anything and everything else written by Holly Black.

Book Review: Valiant

2011-08-30T05:00:00.002-04:00

A Modern Faery’s Tale

When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends. And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

Valiant by Holly Black opens with an introduction to Val and the life she lives with her mother… who is sleeping with Val’s boyfriend. She runs off and finds herself surrounded by new friends who all live together within the subway system: Luis, Dave, and Lolli.

Luis has “the sight” and years prior he was blinded in one eye by a faery simply because he was given the ability to see them. That’s only the beginning of this scary world Val is brought into. Dave runs errands, delivering a substance called “Never” to strange beings. A few of them decide to try the Never themselves, and while on this mysterious drug, they find themselves in Ravus’ home, the troll who makes the Never.

Val ends up trapped delivering the Never for Ravus, in exchange for Lolli’s freedom. While on a delivery, she comes across a dead mermaid. Poisoned. By the Never… Is Ravus behind it? Or one of Val’s friends? Or someone else entirely? But it might not even matter who is to blame when caught up in such a dangerous world.

While in the same series as Tithe, this novel involves a whole new set of characters. And I loved this one even more than the first. It’s more or less a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, as Val falls for Ravus. I love both Val and Ravus, and the romance blossoming between them.

Book Review: Tithe

2011-08-29T19:45:00.002-04:00

What belongs to you but others use it more than you do?

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces the sixteen-year-old back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

Newcomer Holly Black's enormously powerful voice weaves teen angst, riveting romance, and capriciously diabolical faerie folk into an enthralling, engaging, altogether original reading experience.

Tithe by Holly Black tells the story of Kaye, a teenage girl who has always been different. She grew up having three imaginary friends: Spike, Gristle, and Lutie-Loo. Only they weren’t imaginary. They’re faeries. Not the sweet, cute little faeries that you see in children’s fairy tales. But real faeries. Scary faeries.

When Kaye meets another faery, Roiben, she saves his life, thus earning the knowledge that is his real name. And she is pulled deeper into this dangerous world. She finds herself in the middle of a faery war, between two powerful courts: Seelie and Unseelie. And it becomes her job to save a human from being sacrificed to the Unseelie court.

This was my first YA faery book, and I read it for the first time about four years ago. To be honest, I had a bit of trouble getting into it. It’s a bit grittier than what I’m used to. I didn’t really relate to Kaye. But I enjoyed Corny and Kaye’s friendship with him. I wasn’t a huge fan of Roiben either. Regardless, I quite enjoyed this novel. The bizarre world of faery is certainly intriguing, and Holly Black did an amazing job of describing it. I absolutely adored Lutie-Loo. And I have to say my favorite scene was the part on the carousel.

If you haven’t read Tithe, what are you waiting for?

Short Story Review: Love Struck

2011-08-29T13:00:00.021-04:00

Sure, love is hell. But it’s totally worth it.

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers—Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely), Scott Westerfeld (Specials), Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere), and Laurie Faria Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares)—love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

"Love Struck" is Melissa Marr's contribution to the anthology Love is Hell. Alana leaves a party on the beach and meets Vic, a hot guy with dreadlocks. He scares her. And the moment she gets away from him, she meets Murrin, another hottie. Both offer her their pelts, and it's then that she realizes that she met two selchies. Both of whom try to trap her. Selchies (or selkies) are seal people from folklore.

In all of the stories she's heard, it's the selchies who are trapped. But she realizes that it's the other way around. It's the selchies, the fey, who trap humans. Can either of them be trusted? She's going to have to figure out which one is more trustworthy and hope she picks the right one.

I love this story. And one of the selchies in this story is my favorite male character that Melissa Marr has written. While it's not set within the Wicked Lovely series, it is faery, so it very well could be set in that world. One of the things I find most interesting about this story is the flip from what I usually hear. A selchie woman's pelt is stolen, and she is stuck with the person who stole her pelt, until she can find it and escape. Not only is it the men in this story that are selchies, but they're the ones doing the trapping. Which makes complete sense to me. They fey are magical and cunning, and it seems more likely that they would do the trapping instead of being trapped.

Be sure to check this story out. Don't want the anthology? You can find "Love Struck" by itself in ebook form.

Book Review: Brighid's Quest

2011-08-29T09:00:00.041-04:00

Torn between the possibilities . . .

Fleeing her centaur clan's increasingly militant beliefs, Brighid Dhianna has begun to find peace and acceptance among the humans of Clan MacCallan. Still, she agrees to leave her newly formed friendships to guide her clan chieftain's grieving brother home.

As she journeys, Brighid discovers that the long-dormant Shaman blood that runs so thickly in her veins will no longer be silenced. As seductive new powers begin to beckon, Brighid glimpses a future that is more impossible -- and more magical -- than any she could have dared to imagine.

But when tragedy summons her back to the Centaur Plains, Brighid must make a decision that will affect not only her friendship with the humans, but the centaur herd and indeed the world. For the Great Goddess Epona has set her on a new path that demands everything she has to give.

When the whole world is turning to her for help, healing the heart of a warrior doesn't sound so daunting . . .

Brighid's Quest by PC Cast picks up shortly after Elphame's Choice ended. We met Brighid in Elphame's Choice. She is a strong centaur huntress of Clan MacCallan. While she was very good friends with Elphame, she bumped heads with Elphame's brother, Cuchulainn. When Cuchulainn goes off to kill the rest of the Fomorians, Brighid follows along to help him.

I enjoyed this novel even more than it's predecessor. As Brighid and "Cu" go on this journey they find themselves enjoying each other's company, making a complete 180 from how things were in Elphame's Choice. I enjoyed reading their romance and adventure. Brighid is given the chance to become High Shaman to the centaurs. And after denying her shaman blood for so long, this choice is huge.

Many new characters are added to this already large cast, including Ciara... one of the large group of New Fomorians. Book three in this series was supposed to be Ciara's Destiny. It was put on hold to finish the "Divine" trilogy and then again with The House of Night series. But I'm holding out hope that it'll be published. (I've been waiting five and a half years.)

Definitely read this series. You'll love them!

Book Review: Elphame's Choice

2011-08-28T22:30:00.051-04:00

I was marked from birth as belonging to the Goddess Epona--but that didn't make my life easy.

Because of my "blessings," I was set apart, worshipped, unable to make real connections with others. Then came the Feeling, and with it a glimpse of my destiny. It led me to the MacCallen castle of legend, deserted since the terrible Fomorian war.

I followed the wordless call to breathe new life into a place long dead, but I didn't realize there were dark remnants of the war lingering in the nearby forest--victims and survivors who remained hidden. Others marked as different, powerful. Feared.

My choice was now twofold. I could keep to the happiness and safety of my newfound home, or I could choose a path that led to something more terrible, more dangerous, more thrilling than anything I'd ever expected.

And in that future I might never be alone again. . .

I read Elphame's Choice by PC Cast for the first time about six years ago. It was the fourth book I had read by her and my favorite of those four. Elphame is marked by the goddess Epona. And her mother before her was also marked. Her father a shape-shifting, shaman, centaur. Being half human/half centaur, she resembles a satyr. Being touched by her goddess, she is worshiped by all in her land. She lives in the world of Partholon, a mix of Grecian and Celtic mythology. This is the world of Partholon over a hundred years after the events in Divine by Mistake, Divine by Choice, and Divine by Blood.

Elphame sets off on a journey, which takes her to MacCallen Castle where part of the Fomorian war took place (in the Divine trilogy). The castle was destroyed in this war against the Fomorians, a group of bloodthirsty creatures (kind of a mix between vampire and gargoyle). So Elphame and her group work at restoring the castle to it's former beauty. She befriends the centaur Brighid and a healer named Brenna. I enjoyed all three of these characters and their friendship.

Elphame's brother, Cuchulainn, has a premonition that she will find her life mate while on this mission. She meets Lochlan, a half human/half Fomorian, and falls for him. Can Partholon accept this race of New Fomorians after what the Fomorians did a century earlier? I really enjoyed Elphame and Lochlan's romance, and even more than that I enjoyed Cuchulainn and Brenna.

When I read this book, it was published by Luna and placed in the adult sci-fi/fantasy section in stores. Since then, with the success of The House of Night books, it has been re-published by Harlequin Teen and placed in YA... without any editing. It surprised me as there were a few rather spicy scenes, and it's definitely not for the younger teen crowd. If you enjoy fantasy, be sure to check this one out!

Book Review: The Awakening

2011-08-28T20:00:00.002-04:00

You don't have to be alive to be awakened.

Chloe Saunders is a living science experiment—not only can she see ghosts, but she was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. She's a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control, which means she can raise the dead without even trying. Now Chloe's running for her life with three of her supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and they have to find someone who can help them before the Edison Group catches them.

Or die trying.

Chloe and her friends escaped from Lyle house, but they didn’t get far. The Awakening picks up right where The Summoning ends. Chloe is locked in a cell, separate from her friends. She knows one of them is dead, but what about the other four? Have they been captured? Are they dead too?

In this second installment of The Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong, Chloe and her friends learn even more about the experiments that were done on them. They continue trying to evade The Edison Group and capture. Things heat up between Chloe and Derek, while Tori and Simon deal with being of rival races. One of the wonderful things about this series is that even while all of the characters are supernatural, they deal with the same things teens do in our world: relationships, speech difficulties, diabetes, etc... The characters are interesting and fun and Kelley's storytelling is amazing.

Being the middle book in a trilogy, it’s a bit slower than The Summoning, but leaves you excited for The Reckoning. Be sure to check out all three!

Book Review: The Summoning

2011-08-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.

All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

The Summoning marks Kelley Armstrong’s debut in Young Adult fiction. The Darkest Powers trilogy is set in the same world as her famous adult series The Women of the Otherworld. And if you’ve read those, then you can guess which kind of supernatural our main character is.

That’s right… Chloe Saunders is a necromancer. She can see and talk to ghosts, which means – unfortunately – they can see and talk to her as well. One of the interesting things about necromancers in this world is that it never (except in 1 family) passes down the line to each child. So when she says she can see ghosts her father doesn’t know what to do. She is sent to Lyle House, a home for troubled teens. AKA teens who are just coming into their supernatural powers.

If you love Kelley Armstrong’s adult series and/or love YA paranormal, definitely check out this series.

Short Story Review: Dream Dark

2011-08-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

When Link joined his best friend, Ethan Wate, on a quest through a mysterious network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, he knew the journey would be dangerous. But returning home to Gatlin, South Carolina was just the beginning...

Wounded during a climactic battle, Link discovers that tending his injuries won't be as simple as visiting a doctor and that healing his arm should be the least of his worries. For being bitten by a Supernatural does more than break the skin -- it changes a person, inside and out, turning Link into someone more and more like the dark creature who injured him.

In this never-before-seen short story by New York Times bestselling authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, readers witness Link's heart-racing transformation. Dream Dark is set before the much-anticipated third Beautiful Creatures novel, Beautiful Chaos, and as a special bonus includes an exclusive sneak peek at the first five chapters.

I loved Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, so when I found out about a short story that sits between book two and three, I preordered it instantly. “Dream Dark” was short, but lots of fun. It’s the story of Link, or should I say Linkubus, after the events in Beautiful Darkness.

It was told through Ethan’s voice, and since he isn’t in it much, it was told much different than a regular first person story. Ethan told Link’s story, as Link told it to him. To be honest, I never really paid much attention to Link. I love Ethan. He’s one of my favorite males in all of YA. And because of him, Link was invisible. Poor Link. But in this story, Link is the main character. There’s no way for him to be invisible. And it made me really like him. Now I want to go back and re-read this series. I want Beautiful Chaos even more now.

Whether you’ve read this series or not, “Dream Dark” is a fun short story.

Book Review: Frostbitten

2011-08-22T13:00:00.010-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

For Elena Michaels, being the world’s only female werewolf has its advantages, such as having her pick of the Otherworld’s most desirable males. And she couldn’t have picked a more dangerously sexy and undyingly loyal mate than Clayton Danvers. But now their bond will be put to the ultimate test. A werewolf more wolf than human and more unnatural than supernatural—a creature whose origins spring from ancient legend—is hunting human prey, and Elena and Clayton must track the predator deep into Alaska’s frozen wilderness.

But the personal stakes are even higher. Either Clayton or Elena has been chosen to become the new Pack leader, and every wolf knows that there can be only one Alpha. The couple have always been equals in everything. Now, when their survival depends more than ever on perfect teamwork, will instinct allow one of them to lead and the other to follow?

Elena Michaels returns to narrate book ten of the Women of the Otherworld series, Frostbitten. It begins as she chases a mutt, Reese Williams, a werewolf from Australia. She and Clay follow him to Alaska. Naturally, he’s afraid they want to kill him. When in fact they want to protect him.

Also in Alaska… wolf killings. More specifically… werewolf killings. Nick, Antonio, and Jeremy all make their way to Alaska, so the pack can work together to put a stop to the killings. But what they find there aren’t just werewolves, but something similar. Is it a new type of supernatural? Or a supernatural that predates werewolves, who’ve been hiding all this time? The Otherworld continues to grow and expand, adding new characters and races.

While I enjoyed this installment more than Hope’s stories, it was far from my favorite. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Elena or Clay. Both are considered favorites to many of Kelley’s fans. But, regardless, the book was written by Kelley Armstrong, and that means wonderful writing, interesting, fast-paced storytelling, definitely not to be missed.

Book Review: The Centaur's Daughter

2011-08-21T21:24:00.001-04:00

Abisina had found a home in Watersmeet – the community her father led until he was killed by the evil White Worm. But now, Watersmeet is as divided as the home she fled as an outcast. The land faces a new threat, and an uneasy alliance between the humans and the creatures will have to be formed to survive. If Abisina doesn’t become the leader that Watersmeet needs, she may lose everything. But can she take her father’s place? This powerful and moving fantasy deals with timely issues about identity, prejudice, and war. It is the sequel to Watersmeet. You can read chapter one here.

I enjoyed The Centaur’s Daughter by Ellen Jensen Abbott even more than Watersmeet, the first book in this trilogy. In Abisina’s homeland, she is outcast for being dark skinned and dark haired. The only reason she is allowed to live is because she is the daughter of a healer. Dwarves, centaurs, fauns, and the like are feared. Abisina had fled from her homeland to Watersmeet, a wonderful land where people of all colors (and races) live in harmony. Along the way her life is saved by dwarves, and she learns that not all creatures are meant to be feared. Except the centaurs she runs into that try to eat her

Once in Watersmeet, she finds her father, the leader of this land… and a centaur. He’s a shapeshifter, and switches between man and centaur. Just when things start to go really well, a war comes upon them, leaving them leaderless, which is where The Centaur’s Daughter picks up. Even with their new leader, they’re falling apart. They are overwhelmed with refugees and leaving to forage becomes too dangerous. Abisina and her closest friends need the help of those in the southern lands. So she makes the dangerous trek back near her homelands.

Despite the fact that this series is fantasy, it relates to real life a lot. Abisina, like any teenager, is lost, trying to find out who she is. She lives in a world where she is treated unfair. Because of her dark skin, she is called “dwarf dirty.” A phrase used similarly to “mudblood” of Harry Potter and any derogatory term in our world. And war… something that has happened in most, if not all, countries at some point in history.

Ellen Jensen Abbott grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia and is a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, both inspiration for this wonderful trilogy. But, as with CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, she also found inspiration in centuries old folklore and mythology. If you’re a fantasy lover, then you’ll enjoy these. I can't wait for book three!

Book Review: Ballad

2011-08-19T18:33:00.016-04:00

A Gathering of Faerie...

In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.

Ballad is Maggie Stiefvater's follow-up to Lament. And if Lament was amazing then I'm not even sure how to describe Ballad. Out of all five books that I've read, Ballad is my favorite. James and Deirdre have left their homes to live at a school for talented musicians.

James' amazing bagpipe music attracts the attention of Nuala. She is a faery and a muse. While giving inspiration, she also feeds on the creative energies of humans. James' fondness for Deirdre lessens as he becomes more attracted to Nuala.

Nuala has been around for a long time, dying and being reborn. She has often caught the eye of a human, but not until James as the attraction truly gone both ways. Both Dee and Nuala are in danger. Which one will James save? Or can he save them both?

Ballad is my absolute favorite book by Maggie Stiefvater, and the last time I met her, she said this was her favorite as well. (Although, I think that has changed with The Scorpio Races.) There's really nothing I can say to express just how incredible I think it is. And if I tried it would probably come out in an unflattering, fangirly way. I loved James. He was sweet and charming, and I loved reading his romance with Nuala. I liked Nuala from the start, even when I was unsure if she should be trusted.

Both Lament and Ballad were beautifully written, and I can't wait for more faery books from Maggie Stiefvater.

Book Review: Lament

2011-08-18T18:24:00.027-04:00

The Faerie Queen's Deception...

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

Lament is a dark faerie fantasy that features authentic Celtic faerie lore, plus cover art and interior illustrations by acclaimed faerie artist Julia Jeffrey.

Maggie Stiefvater's debut, Lament, introduces us to Deirdre Monaghan, an amazingly gifted musician. Her instrument of choice, the harp. The biggest problem Deirdre is facing is her shyness which affects her ability to play in front of others.

Except... well... she only thinks that's her biggest problem. She's a cloverhand. This means that she's gifted with the sight. She can see faeries. Still... that's not her biggest problem. The problem would be the two faery assassins out to get her: Luke, a soulless faery, and the dark faery, Aodhan. Both are ordered to find and kill her. Why? Deirdre's music is starting to attract the attention of the faeries.

I love books about faeries, but I've become quite picky about them. I prefer that they stay true to old faery lore. And this one does, specifically Celtic lore. Maggie's writing is absolutely beautiful. The way she pieces the sentences together is almost lyrical.

Deirdre finds herself drawn to Luke, while her best friend, James, has fallen for Deirdre. Soon she finds herself stuck between both guys. I'm generally not a fan of love triangles. And I've always been able to find a clear frontrunner. But not here. I enjoyed both Luke and James, and I was unsure of who to root for. They were both great.

Her Wolves of Mercy Falls books are very popular. And I've read all three. It's my opinion that the faery books are even more incredible than wolfy ones. So I can only say read them and see for yourselves. Also, if you ever get a chance to meet Maggie at a signing, go!

I met Maggie shortly after Lament's release. This is when it was only available with the grey cover and no one had even heard of Shiver. The signing was in Baltimore, and I was the only one there. A few people stopped by to check out the book, but I was the only one hanging around the table. We talked, she played her harp, and I felt like a creeper. Haha! But she assured me my "stalking" was okay. I've gone to a few signings since, and she is hilarious!

Don't forget to check out her website and her blog. There is some amazing music written and performed by Maggie. And seriously check out her book trailers. She is very multi-talented.

Book Review: Hush, Hush

2011-08-17T18:16:00.032-04:00

A Fallen Angel... A Forbidden Love...

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...until Patch comes 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 whom 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 far 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.

Hush, Hush is Becca Fitzpatrick's debut novel, and the first of her fallen angel series. The book starts by introducing the main character, Nora Grey, and her BFF, Vee, who couldn't be more different. Nora isn't interested in the boys at her school... until new kid, Patch, transfers.

But Patch isn't like the other boys. And not just because Nora is drawn to him. He's a fallen angel. He appears to be stalking Nora. And she's not sure if that makes him good or bad. She wants to trust him, but she isn't sure she can.

Nora Grey is about as interesting as her name. I will say that she's kinda like I was in high school. I was always trying to blend in and disappear. But I wasn't the main character in a book. So while I liked her, I was often bored with the storyline.

Enter Patch. If you read my Mortal Instruments reviews you know how I feel about Jace. My opinion of Patch is even lower. I didn't like him. I didn't trust him. His constant sexual innuendos weren't cute or funny. Maybe if there had been less. But several on every page was too much.

I grade my fictional boys like I do real boys. Patch is cocky and arrogant. He enjoys being a "bad boy". Pretty much everything that turns me off. I know disliking Patch is the odd opinion. Sorry guys... I have book two, Crescendo, on my shelf at home. Hush, Hush left me interested enough to pick up the sequel, but I'm not really inspired enough to read it. Maybe one day...

Book Review: City of Glass

2011-08-16T20:23:00.016-04:00

To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters—never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family’s past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he’s willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City—whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of bestselling series the Mortal Instruments.

City of Glass is the third installment in the Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare. Jocelyn Fray is still in a magically-induced coma, and Clary and Jace travel to the City of Glass in the hopes of saving her. Clary uncovers more and more about her family’s history and ends up coming face to face with her father. The evil Valentine.

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous two. It was less predictable and I didn't hate the main characters, Jace and Clary, as much as in the past. Jace was more caring and Clary less whiny. Simon continues to be my favorite character. I love his scenes with Maia. I’m definitely rooting for these two to get together.

As it turns out, this is yet another trilogy is continuing with three more books. Basically, there are two trilogies in a series of six books. City of Fallen Angels recently hit shelves. And don’t forget to check out book one in The Infernal Devices series, Clockwork Angel. It’s set in the same world, only many years prior to The Mortal Instruments.

Book Review: City of Ashes

2011-08-15T20:13:00.013-04:00

As readers of series starter City of Bones already know, teenager Clary Fray is a Shadowhunter, a demon slayer who has the gift (?) of spotting Downworlder werewolves, vampires, and faeries. She is also an adolescent in an abnormally dysfunctional family: Her mom is in a magically induced coma and her father is probably insane and undoubtedly evil. All of which places Clary in situations that would challenge even the most talented average American girl.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare picks up right where City of Bones leaves off. Clary is a Shadowhunter whose job, along with Jace, Alec, and Isabel, is to hunt Downworlders. Downworlders include vampires, werewolves, faeries, and a number of different types of demon. As if that isn't enough her mother is in a magically induced coma and her father is likely the big baddie.

One thing I enjoyed more about this book was the faeries. They weren't really in City of Bones, but here we get to see the Seelie Court. Another is Simon the vampire. Even better than Simon the human. And he wasn't panting after Clary as much here. A big step up for him.

Much like the first, it was terribly predictable. The writing wasn't that great. I hate Jace and Clary even more. But Cassandra Clare still managed to write a novel that I can't put down. It's fast-paced and exciting and left me begging for City of Glass.

Book Review: City of Bones

2011-08-14T17:00:00.013-04:00

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

City of Bones is Cassandra Clare's debut and book one of The Mortal Instruments. Our main character, Clary Fray, finds herself a witness to murder by three teens covered in strange tattoos. These teens, Shadowhunters, are invisible to humans, so why can Clary see them?

Jace, Isabel, and Alec are Shadowhunters who protect the world by killing demons. Clary has questions, and the only person who can answer them has been kidnapped. She and her friend, Simon, are pulled into this new world that neither knew existed. And now it's up to her, and her new friends, to find her mother and find answers to her many questions.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The writing itself was only okay, but it was fun, if not too predictable. I was not a fan of Clary. She was much too whiny. And Jace, the main love interest and second main character, was a d-bag. So it says something for the story that I can enjoy a book while hating the two main characters. Simon was crush-worthy. And I enjoyed Isabel, Alec, and Max... three siblings of the family who has more or less adopted Jace. And Magnus, the warlock, was a lot of fun.

As soon as I finished this one, I grabbed book two, City of Ashes.

Book Review: Troll Blood

2011-08-13T17:00:00.012-04:00

The dramatic and gripping conclusion to Katherine Langrish's highly-acclaimed TROLL trilogy. When seafaring traders, Gunnar, and his sword-wielding son, Harald Silkenhair, land in Trollsvik, looking for crew to join their journey to Vinland (North America), Hilde is desperate to join the ship. She begs her parents to let her go as Gunnar's wife Astrid's companion, and when Peer agrees to go and look after her, her parents reluctantly agree. But Gunnar and Harald are dangerous men. Harald has killed a man, and Gunnar has been cursed and is losing his wits in fear that the dead man's ghost is following him. Harald has an uncontrollable, raging temper, and a perilous rivalry develops between he and Peer. By the time they finally reach the shores of Vinland, the settlement is looking less of an attractive proposition. And that's before they meet the "Skraelings" (the Native American people) and the terrifying Jenu -- the cannibal giant with a heart of ice! Action-packed, suspense-fuelled and with a wonderful cast of characters, Troll Blood is a truly rip-roaring read.

Troll Blood is - sadly - the conclusion of the Troll trilogy by Katherine Langrish. Hilde is offered the chance to sail across the ocean. After much begging and Peer's offer to go with and look after her, her parents agree. And soon they are off, sailing on a Viking ship.

Gunnar and Harald, who lead the crew, are dangerous men. Harald is a killer, and Gunnar is losing his mind, fearing a ghost is after them. And when a rivalry erupts between Harald and Peer, things only continue to grow worse.

This book is even more action-packed than the previous two. That being said, it's my least favorite of the three. That seems to be the odd opinion. I love Peer even more. Both he and Hilde are more grown in this novel. And I rooted for this couple even more. But I can't tell you if Hilde realized how wonderful Peer is or not. You'll have to read it for yourself.

Unfortunately, these books aren't on print in the US currently. So you'll have to either scour used book stores or order the omnibus from the UK. It's titled West of the Moon. Trust me, it's worth the extra shipping charge.

And be sure to check out Katherine Langrish's blog, Seven Miles of Steel Thistles. Her Fairytale Reflections series is fantastic.

Book Review: Troll Mill

2011-08-12T17:00:00.015-04:00

Fifteen-year-old Peer Ulfsson is haunted by his past. Forced to live with his evil uncles under the eerie shadows of Troll Fell, he nearly fell prey to their plan to sell children to the trolls. Now Peer lives with his friend Hilde's family, but can he ever truly belong? And will Hilde ever share his deeper feelings?

One rainy night, Peer watches in shock as his neighbor Kersten pushes her baby daughter into his arms and then disappears into the sea. Rumor says that Kersten is a seal woman who has returned to her ocean home, and the millpond witch, Granny Green-teeth, seems intent on taking the "seal baby." Peer also discovers that the mill, abandoned when his uncles joined the troll kingdom, is running again — all on its own?

With angry trolls, mysterious seal people, a mischievous house spirit, and three unusual babies in the mix, Peer and Hilde have their hands full and more! Katherine Langrish returns to the magical world of her acclaimed debut, troll fell, in this second story set in an extraordinary land by the sea filled with Viking legends and lore.

Troll Mill is Katherine Langrish's sequel to Troll Fell. When we last left Peer and Hilde, they had rescued the twins from the horrible trolls. And Peer's uncles became trolls themselves. No surprise. They certainly have the personality for it.

Peer has moved into Hilde's home. While this is the closest thing he's ever had to a family, he's not sure he fits in. His growing attraction to Hilde only goes one way, much to his disappointment.

Kersten, a neighbor, is rumored to be a seal woman. A selchie. And one evening she passes her newborn daughter to Peer before leaping back into the ocean. Granny Greenteeth who lives in the pond at Peer's uncles' mill wants the "seal baby". And the Nis is sure terrible things will happen if the family keeps her.

We return to this world of Viking lore with further adventures of Peer and his would-be love Hilde. I rooted for them even more in this novel. But Hilde just can't see what's right on front of her. Peer went through a complete transformation, no longer a scared and abused little boy. He's more grown and mature, and he wants to be the kind if man girls like Hilde dream of.

I enjoyed Troll Mill even more than Troll Fell. It was faster-paced, as we're already familiar with this world. Characters I fell in love with are back and better than ever. And it left me dying to read Troll Blood, the conclusion to this series.

Book Review: Troll Fell

2011-08-11T17:00:00.007-04:00

Legend tells of a secret kingdom... and a horde of gold...

A secret kingdom of trolls, guarding their legendary gold, lies in the mysterious shadows of Troll Fell. It is to this eerie and dangerous place that Peer Ulfsson must go after his father's sudden death, to live with his greedy, bad-tempered uncles, Baldur and Grim.

When Peer discovers his uncles' terrible plan to capture the gold by selling human children to the trolls, he has to bury his fears and find a way to stop them. He has only his bravery, his wit, and two new allies -- a daring girl looking for adventure and a mischievous house spirit looking for a good meal. Their story will become part of the lore of this extraordinary land by the sea.

Troll Fell by Katherine Langrish is the first book in her Troll Trilogy. It is full of wonderful Nordic myth and folklore. The main character, Peer Ulfsson, lives in a mill with his two uncles after his father's death. Grim and Baldur aren't interested in anything except Peer's money and using him as a servant. He's beaten and often left without food. But he makes a friend in Nis, an unpredictable and sometimes ill-tempered house spirit.

Later, he befriends the girl who lives at the farm near Peer. Hilde is a strong and brave young girl who is a wonderful contrast to Peer. She has two younger siblings, twins Sigrid and Sigurd, and the three live with their parents. Also near the farm is Troll Fell. The trolls that live here are cruel, and they've joined in a deal with Peer's uncles. The uncles plan to steal their gold while selling human children. And it's up to Peer and Hilde to rescue her younger siblings and set things right.

This adventure is truly an enjoyable read. The use of Norse folklore creates a wonderful backdrop for Peer's story. Peer is a very sympathetic character. You can't help but take his side. And his interactions with Hilde are fun. You can see a type of romance between these two early on.

I read this book for the first time a few years ago. And it's just as good the second time around. The moment you put it down you'll want to pick up book 2, Troll Mill.

Book Review: Living with the Dead

2011-08-10T10:00:00.014-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

The men and women of the Otherworld live unseen among us. For the most part, mere mortals never suspect their existence—and that’s the way they want it. But now a reckless killer has torn down the wall between our worlds, trapping one very vulnerable, and very mortal, woman in the supernatural cross fire.

Robyn Peltier moved to Los Angeles shortly after her young husband’s sudden and unexpected death. Her hope was that her hectic new life as the PR consultant to a spoiled celebutante would provide a distraction from her grief. But when her client is murdered, Robyn finds herself on the run as the prime suspect. And as more bodies pile up around her, it seems only her friend, tabloid journalist Hope Adams, is on her side.

But Hope and her somewhat spooky boyfriend Karl know it’s just a matter of time before Robyn is caught. For she’s gotten herself in the middle of a turf war between two Otherworld races who’ll spill any amount of blood—human and inhuman—to protect what they consider theirs for eternity. And the only way Hope can save her friend is by letting her enter a world she’s safer knowing nothing about.

Hope is back in Living with the Dead, book nine in the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. Her first book (Personal Demon) was unusual, what with the fact that she co-narrated the novel. This book has five points of view. But not first person. This is the only novel to date that Kelley has written in third person. The five points of view include Hope, Finn, Robyn, and clairvoyants Adele and Colm.

Hope’s best friend Robyn, a human, is caught up in a supernatural life and death situation. She’s the target of a community of clairvoyants. Up until now, we’ve rarely seen clairvoyants. We know they exist, but like the werewolves in the beginning, they live in a world, separate from other supernaturals. They’re dying out, and they want to preserve their bloodlines and only mate with other clairvoyants. As they’ve reproduced with humans and other supernaturals, their powers have decreased as generations passed.

Honestly, my favorite part of this book was the clairvoyants. Most of the time, a clairvoyant’s power is to see the future. Not so in this world. If one of them has an article of your clothing, a necklace or ring, or any other personal item of yours, they can see through your eyes. They see what you see. Which makes it awfully hard to escape when one is coming after you. Which just happens to be Robyn’s dilemma.

But if she’s on the run from cops who think she killed her client, why are clairvoyants after her? She has only one person, her best friend Hope, on her side. Well… Hope and her good-for-nothing (my opinion) boyfriend, Karl Marsten. I enjoyed Hope and this book much more than the previous installment. Living with the Dead is so different from the rest of the series it really stands out from the others. It takes a really good writer to keep things just as exciting as we near the double digit mark in a series.

Book Review: Personal Demon

2011-08-09T22:00:00.005-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

Tabloid reporter Hope Adams appears to live the life of an ordinary working girl. But in addition to possessing the beauty of a Bolly-wood princess, Hope has other unique traits. For she is a half demon- a human fathered by a demon. And she's inherited not only a gift for seeing the past but a hunter for chaos- along with a talent for finding it wherever she can. Naturally, when she's chosen by a very dangerous group for a very dangerous mission, she jumps at the chance...

The head of the powerful Cortez Cabal- a family that makes the mob look like amateurs- has a little problem in Miami: a gang of wealthy, bored offspring of supernaturals is getting out of hand, and Hope is needed to infiltrate them. As spells, astral projections, and pheromones soar across South Beach, Hope weaves her way through its elite hot spots, posing as upscale eye candy and reading the auras of the clientele- and potential marks.

Hope, the narrator for Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong, is our newest addition to the Otherworld. She was originally introduced in “Chaotic” a novella in Dates from Hell, and then reintroduced in No Humans Involved. She’s a twenty-something chaos demon. She has a talent for finding chaos, and once she does she is taken by visions. Visions of murder, rape, abuse… and she enjoys them. It comes with being Lucifer’s daughter.

She is recruited by the Cortez cabal, by Benicio himself, to infiltrate a group of supernaturals. Hope is not our only narrator. For the first time in this series, we get two narrators, and the second is male. Lucas Cortez! My favorite guy in the series. And through him we get to see a bit more into the world of cabals. Story wise, I have to say this wasn’t my favorite. Hope is my least favorite woman of the Otherworld, so this one probably ranks in last. That being said, it’s still a fun installment and should not be missed.

Book Review: No Humans Involved

2011-08-09T13:00:00.002-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

It's the most anticipated reality television event of the season: three spiritualists gathered together in one house to raise the ghost of Marilyn Monroe. For celebrity medium Jaime Vegas, it's her best shot at the celebrity holy grail: a TV show of her own. Because, unlike her colleagues, who are more style than substance, Jaime is the real thing.

Yet reluctant to upstage her fellow spiritualists, Jaime suppresses her talents, as she has always done. But something is lurking in the gardens behind the house: trapped spirits without a voice. And for the first time, Jaime understands what it means to be haunted. When events culminate in a psychic showdown, she must use her darkest power to defeat a shocking enemy-- one whose force comes from the last ream she expected.

No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong is book seven in The Women of the Otherworld series. I have to admit I was not looking forward to this book. Years before it was written I had read that Kelley was hoping to have Cassandra narrate seven. But Jaime got it. I loved Cass and hated Jaime. So, yeah... I was not looking forward to it. But it was written by the amazing Kelley Armstrong so I picked it up anyway. Jaime is the fourth narrator for this series, and each time we got a new one I had trouble getting into the book. But I had no trouble with this one.

Jaime O'Casey is a necromancer. She can speak to ghosts and raise and control zombies. She carries around a designer make-up bag... filled with hair, fingernails, teeth, cloth taken from a corpse, and even a finger or other small body part... which must be fresh. Ew, right?

She's not just a necromancer; Jaime Vegas is a celebrity. Hence the name Vegas. She's a spiritualist. She contacts the dead to give their relatives peace of mind. Except that she's a con, like all the others. The messages real ghosts want to pass on won't sell tickets.

She's in California to film a television special in which three spiritualists are supposed to contact the ghost of Marilyn Monroe. Slightly inebriated she had invited her crush, smexy werewolf alpha, Jeremy Danvers, to join her. In the garden at the mansion where the spiritualists are staying, Jaime finds something she’s encountered only once before. Ghosts who she can’t see or hear, but who can touch her. With Jeremy’s help, Jaime’s going to solve the mystery of the trapped ghosts and set them free.

In previous novels, Jaime has basically been the comic relief. She's been kidnapped, possessed, and psychically attacked. She's clumsy and inarticulate when Jeremy's around, showing her to be a fool. She's flaky. The only thing I liked about her was that she always had the best lines. But here, where we get to read through her eyes, we find that there is much more to her.

We get to see what her life is really like. How hard it was growing up and learning to deal with ghosts. And, suddenly, she's not flaky. She's not a fool. She's strong, smart, caring...

This book changed my opinion, a compete 180, on what I thought of her. She was my least favorite, and then she became my favorite character with this novel. The Women of the Otherworld is my favorite series. And No Humans Involved is my favorite book. I've read it over a dozen times. There is nothing I can say to express just how much I love it.

“I saw my true power. The darkest power. The greatest power.”

Pick up this series, you won’t be disappointed.

Book Review: Broken

2011-08-08T23:00:00.026-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

In this thrilling new novel from Kelley Armstrong, a pregnant werewolf may have unwittingly unleashed Jack the Ripper on twenty-first-century—and become his next target.

Ever since she discovered she’s pregnant, Elena Michaels has been on edge. After all, she’s never heard of another living female werewolf, let alone one who’s given birth. But thankfully, her expertise is needed to retrieve a stolen letter allegedly written by Jack the Ripper. As a distraction, the job seems simple enough—only the letter contains a portal to Victorian London’s underworld, which Elena inadvertently triggers—unleashing a vicious killer and a pair of zombie thugs.

Now Elena must find a way to seal the portal before the unwelcome visitors get what they’re looking for—which, for some unknown reason, is Elena.

Kelley Armstrong's Broken is my favorite Elena novel out of the four. She and Clayton are expecting twins, and life is anything but normal. Elena accidentally opens a portal by activating a spell on a letter written by Jack the Ripper. "Kill a bug, launch the apocalypse."

Granddaddy-to-be, Jeremy Danvers and fellow pack members, Antonio and Nick Sorrentino join them on their Toronto adventure. Diseased rats, zombies, the plague... when the portal was opened, it brought along with it issues from Victorian London. The last time a portal was opened (in Industrial Magic) Paige and Lucas called Jaime. So the pack calls in our favorite necro, Jaime Vegas. She shows up, without a moment's hesitation to aide the pack. Mostly because of her seemingly hopeless crush on the smexy alpha.

With a vow to not be possessed or kidnapped this time, the pack accepts her help. Together they work to close the portal and restore Toronto to normal. Along the way we meet Zoe Takano, hot Asian vamp and her friend Tee... an insane necromancer, which forces Jaime to literally face her worst fear, the fate of most necros... madness.

Elena's pregnancy professes faster than normal, due to her being a werewolf, Clay is injured by a decomposing zombie, and Jeremy and Jaime grow closer. But can they stop an evil sorcerer and close the portal before Toronto is destroyed?

Another exciting installment of The Women of the Otherworld. Be sure to check out this amazing series!

Book Review: Haunted

2011-08-08T18:36:00.000-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

Eve Levine — half-demon, black witch and devoted mother — has been dead for three years. She has a great house, an interesting love life and can’t be killed again — which comes in handy when you’ve made as many enemies as Eve. Yes, the afterlife isn’t too bad — all she needs to do is find a way to communicate with her daughter, Savannah, and she’ll be happy.

But fate — or more exactly, the Fates — have other plans. Eve owes them a favor, and they’ve just called it in. An evil spirit called the Nix has escaped from hell. She feeds on chaos and death, and is very good at persuading people to kill for her. The Fates want Eve to hunt her down before she does any more damage, but the Nix is a dangerous enemy — previous hunters have been driven insane in the process. As if that’s not problem enough, the only way to stop her is with an angel’s sword. And Eve is no angel. . .

In Haunted by Kelley Armstrong we meet Eve Levine, dark witch and half demon. She's been mentioned in the previous three books as Savannah's deceased mother. She lost her life a bit before Stolen when she and her daughter were captured.

Considering the fact that our narrator is dead, this novel takes place in the supernatural afterlife. She is sent on a mission by the Fates to catch Nix. And she needs help from our side. Which sends her straight to our favorite necro, Jaime Vegas. "Eve Levine. On a mission from God. I really must be wearing my stupid face today." After Eve gets rid of a pesky, headless spook, Jaime agrees to help.

Eve is a fun character. Strong and kick-ass. She has some similar qualities to Elena. Even with her demon father and dark magic ways, she's a good mother and an awesome addition to our cast of Otherworld characters. In the afterlife, she has reconnected with Kristof Nast, her daughter’s father. One thing I really enjoyed was her friendship with Jaime. They couldn't be more different, but they work together fabulously. The other thing I really enjoyed was the creepiness in some of the scenes in the afterlife. Scariest book of this series.

Manga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (1)

2011-08-07T21:00:00.017-04:00

“Magical Girl Madoka of the Magus”

There exist strange creatures who have the power to grant one wish to each chosen girl. However, in exchange, that girl must then become a magical girl and fight against witches, evil creatures born from darkness that are responsible for murders and suicides.

In the city of Mitakihara, a schoolgirl named Madoka Kaname and her friend Sayaka Miki are approached by a familiar named Kyubey, who offers to grant each of them one wish in return for making each of them a magical girl. Another magical girl named Homura Akemi tries to prevent Madoka from making such a deal, while Kyubey urges Madoka by telling her she will become the most powerful magical girl. However, contrary to the glamorous notions one would expect, a magical girl finds herself dealing with death, isolation, agony over the value of her wish, and existential crises. Madoka, following her friends, soon sees the darker side of being a magical girl, and because of knowing the truth about being a magical girl, she questions if she should become one as well.

Upon hearing a friend raving about this anime series and how great it was, I decided to check it out. It was only twelve episodes long and not nearly long enough. So after completing that, I decided to check out the manga adaptation. It follows the series almost exactly. I honestly can’t say which I enjoyed more.

Madoka (the one in pink) is a fourteen year old girl, living a normal life with her parents and little brother. Sayaka (the one in blue) is her best friend. They meet new girl, Homura (the one in black), and it’s not long after that Madoka is called to help Kyubey. Kyubey is a small white creature, similar to a cat, but with long floppy ears. He is under attack from Homura. Madoka and Sayaka save Kyubey and instantly see Homura as the bad guy.

But before they can get away, they are under attack of an evil witch. Enter Mami (the one in yellow), a mahou shoujo (magical girl), who has come to defeat the witch, saving Madoka and Sayaka. Kyubey gives both girls the option of becoming a mahou shoujo as well. In exchange for a life of fighting evil, they will be granted one wish… anything they desire. But is a lifetime of fighting witches worth it? And is Kyubey really to be trusted?

Volume one was fabulous, and I’m off to read volume two!

Also, check out this fabulous site, Puella Magi, for more information about this series and spin-offs.

Book Review: Industrial Magic

2011-08-07T14:54:00.001-04:00

Meet the smart, sexy — supernatural — women of the otherworld.

This is not your mother’s coven...

Kelley Armstrong returns with the eagerly awaited follow-up to Dime Store Magic. Paige Winterbourne, a headstrong young woman haunted by a dark legacy, is now put to the ultimate test as she fights to save innocents from the most insidious evil of all.. . .

In the aftermath of her mother’s murder, Paige broke with the elite, ultraconservative American Coven of Witches. Now her goal is to start a new Coven for a new generation. But while Paige pitches her vision to uptight thirty-something witches in business suits, a more urgent matter commands her attention.

Someone is murdering the teenage offspring of the underworld’s most influential Cabals — a circle of families that makes the mob look like amateurs. And none is more powerful than the Cortez Cabal, a faction Paige is intimately acquainted with. Lucas Cortez, the rebel son and unwilling heir, is none other than her boyfriend. But love isn’t blind, and Paige has her eyes wide open as she is drawn into a hunt for an unnatural-born killer. Pitted against shamans, demons, and goons, it’s a battle chilling enough to make a wild young woman grow up in a hurry. If she gets the chance.

I read Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong several years ago. It’s my favorite of the first four. I had less trouble getting into this one than Dime Store Magic since I was used to Paige’s POV. The story was more exciting. It included all of the characters from Paige’s previous novel, but pulls in the pack and our favorite vamps. We also meet our first necromancer, Jaime Vegas. If you’ve read my reviews from Waking the Witch and/or Spell Bound, you all know that Jaime is my favorite in the series. That wasn’t always true. I disliked her big time on my first read-through of this one.

The cabals (the sorcerer mafia) play an even bigger role in this one, as we get to know Lucas’ family (mostly reprehensible), the Cortez Cabal. Cabal teens are being killed, and they need help figuring out who is behind this. Sorcerers hate witches, yet they turn to the ex-coven leader for help. While Paige narrates this one, Jaime plays a large role. She’s a necromancer. She talks to ghosts and raises zombies. She’s also a celebrity. Paige calls her “flakier than a puff pastry”, and it’s only because of her trust in Lucas that she accepts Jaime’s help.

What I find fascinating about Kelley’s books, is that she really makes you see through the narrator’s eyes. Paige didn’t like Jaime, so I didn’t. But she turns out to be a real asset, and here, for the first time in the series, do we get to see a group of different supernaturals all working together using their powers and strengths to defeat a threat. No one type of supernatural is better or stronger than another. They all have strengths and weaknesses, and they work best as a group.

The cast is quite varied, and my favorite scenes tend to be the ones with many of our major players. They’re fun to see playing off of one another. Be sure to check out Industrial Magic, the fourth book in the Women of the Otherworld series. It keeps getting better!

Be sure to check out Kelley's site for info on the series, novellas, graphic novels, short stories, anthologies, and free online fiction!

Book Review: The Gathering

2011-08-04T17:00:00.009-04:00

Darkness Rising…

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

In The Gathering, Kelley Armstrong brings all the supernatural thrills from her wildly successful Darkest Powers series to Darkness Rising, her scorching hot new trilogy.

For those of you who’ve not read my other reviews of books by Kelley Armstrong, you may not know this… but Kelley is my absolute favorite author ever! I love her adult series, and I was thrilled when I heard she was coming out with a YA series. The Gathering is the first in the “Darkness Rising” trilogy, which follows “The Darkest Powers” trilogy. And as much as I enjoyed “The Darkest Powers” I enjoyed The Gathering twice as much. I like Maya better than Chloe. And so far the story is more interesting/exciting.

Maya is a supernatural, and, as a teen, she doesn’t quite know it yet. In Kelley’s world, supernaturals start exhibiting their powers in their teen years. And considering Maya is adopted, the parents who raised her have no clue either. But… just what is she? When I met Kelley in person several years ago, she told us what kind of supernatural might show up. So I was spoiled a bit on that, but didn’t mind one bit. Maya is something we’ve never seen in Kelley’s world before, something unique to her ancestry.

“The Darkest Powers” trilogy was about changing supernaturals… either suppressing their powers or strengthening them. In “Darkness Rising”, it’s all about bringing extinct supernaturals back into the fold. What many seem to not know is that both trilogies are in the same series, so if you’re weary of reading the new trilogy because you loved Chloe, Derek, Tori, Simon, Liz, and Rae, don’t fear. They’ll be back later in this trilogy. But, already, there was a reference to one of the six teens in The Gathering. And, of course, if you’re a fan of her adult series, well… there are too many references to number.

I’m very excited about The Calling, which hits shelves next spring, and will follow Maya and gang where the cliffhanger left us at The Gathering. And after that... The Rising. Who else is excited?!

Book Review: The Iron Daughter

2011-08-03T17:00:00.002-04:00

Love & Betrayal

A Faery World

Gone Mad

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

I reluctantly picked up Julie Kagawa's The Iron Daughter last fall. I say reluctantly because I didn't like The Iron King as much as I had hoped I would. Also, I'm very definitely Team Puck. And everyone told me that if I liked Puck, I wouldn't like this book. That it was more for Ash fans.

Well... after finishing the book (after having it on hold for over half a year), I can say I don't exactly agree. This book made me love Puck more and hate Ash more. Which is fine. And when I say I'm Team Puck that doesn't mean I'm rooting for a Puck/Meghan relationship. In fact, Puck deserves better. In my humble opinion, that is. I adore Robin Goodfellow and all his trickery.

My biggest issue with the book is that things fall into place a bit too easily. "If only we had..." "Oh what luck... We do!" Once is fine. Twice I can live with. But a handful of times... it bugs me. Meghan is our heroine, along with her friends Puck, Ash, Grim, and more. And too often things are just handed to her.

That being said, I did enjoy the book. The way the Iron Court was introduced in book one was fascinating, and I'm enjoying learning more about them. I can't wait for book three, The Iron Queen and book four, The Iron Knight. And if you love these, be sure to check out both the Winter's Passage and Summer's Crossing novellas (available in ebook only).

(I feel like book three's title spoiled me way back when I was reading book one.)

Be sure to follow Julie Kagawa on Twitter (she's a funny lady!) and check out her blog. I love the posts with Iron Fey comics.

Book Review: Spell Bound

2011-08-02T17:00:00.004-04:00

At last, in the novel every Kelley Armstrong fan will need to own, all the major heroines and heroes of Otherworld are united.

It's been ten years since Bitten, the first novel in Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Otherworld series. In that time hundreds of thousands of fans have ravenously devoured the adventures of Armstrong's witches, demons, and werewolves. Now, in Spell Bound, she brings them all together for her most sweeping tale yet.

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

I have been a fan of The Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong since I found Bitten and Stolen on the shelves of my local Borders in 2003. She is my favorite author, and this my favorite series. Everyone should read this series. It’s amazing! So I felt particularly lucky to snag an ARC of Spell Bound.

The next book, 13, will be the final book of the series, and Spell Bound is mostly about setting it up. But it’s still fabulous. As the series has progressed, the cast has gotten larger. And with the changing points of view, we’ve gotten to know each of the female main characters very well. And in Savannah’s story, it pulls all of the characters we know and love together.

Something big is going to happen, and it may change their world forever. Now is definitely the time to pick this series up if you haven’t already. Only one year until this series is concluded. But be sure to check out Kelley Armstrong’s site for info on short story, novella, and graphic novel information! And follow her on Twitter.

Book Review: Stolen

2011-08-01T17:00:00.003-04:00

A letter to my captor…

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist – almost.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher was given to me by a wonderful friend this past Yule. I tend to read mostly fantasy, but I also enjoy contemporary. And while I was feeling burnt out on fantasy, needing a contemporary, I grabbed this one from the shelf. And wow…

I must admit I didn’t read the synopsis until I was pulling this review together. I’d seen the book in stores. I’d added it to my “to-read” on Goodreads. (You should too.) But all I had read was the title, Stolen: A letter to my captor and the author’s name. That was enough to interest me.

While this story was written as a letter from Gemma to Ty, the man who kidnapped her, it was almost more like a journal with multiple entries. It was written in first person. The fact that she referred to Ty as “you” was the only indication that it was a letter. I was very conflicted about how I felt about both Ty and Gemma. I figured this guy in his early twenties who kidnapped a 16-year-old girl would very clearly be the villain, the bad guy, completely reprehensible. I also figured I’d be on Gemma’s side the whole time, waiting and wishing for her rescue. But it didn’t turn out that way. The writing influenced me to feel how Gemma was feeling. Ty was strong, handsome, and interesting. And Gemma annoyed me on several occasions.

I finished this book a while ago, and it’s been on my mind a lot since. I was a psych major in college, and I think that added an extra level of interest for me. But the fact that a day can’t go by without me thinking about this book is proof of how great it was. It definitely makes you think.

I always add a picture or two of the book covers in my review, but I felt the need to share several extra covers for this book. A few of them do a really good job of showing just how powerful this book is, so I decided to show them here.

Book Review: Priscilla the Great

2011-07-24T16:50:00.000-04:00

If you think your middle school years are awkward and traumatic,

try going through them with fire shooting out of your fingers!

Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.

Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner!

I was asked to review Priscilla the Great by the author, Sybil Nelson. And it took me way too long to get to. I was almost kicking myself for not reading it sooner, as it was fabulous. It was the best middle grade novel I’ve read in a long time.

Priscilla, aka Priss, is a fiery, red-head about to enter seventh grade. She has an older brother, Josh, and twin terrors in the form of her little brothers Charlie and Chester. Her best friend, Tai, is brilliant, and her other friend Kyle, is… well… he’s your typical gross tween boy. Turns out he can be charming, too. As if life isn’t enough trouble during middle school years, Priscilla learns she can shoot fire out of her fingers by accidentally setting a towel on fire at her friend’s pool party. Thankfully, no one sees.

As much as Priscilla likes her powers, she feels alone. No one else in her family seems to have any abilities beyond that of a normal person. And fire shooting is just the beginning. Soon she discovers she can hear conversations happening in the next room. But when she’s kidnapped, she learns she is not the only “superhero” in her family.

Trust me when I tell you that you want to read this book. It’s smart and funny and you’ll love this cast of characters. This isn’t your typical middle grade book.

And be sure to check out The Kiss of Life and Too Little Too Late, books two and three in this series. There is also a book called Twin Shorts, which includes short stories set in this world and is currently free on Amazon.