My World...in words and pages

Movie Review: Alice

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Alice

Released: 2009

Rated: NR

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 180minutes (3 hours)

Recommendation: Maybe, if you like a little strange... okay really strange after comparing to the strangeness of Alice in Wonderland. lol.

Synopsis:
In this reimagining of Lewis Carroll's Classic novels, Caterina Scorsone starts as Alice, a young woman who descends into the twisted world of Wonderland after her boyfriend is abducted by the Queen of Hearts (Kathy Bates, in an Emmy-nominated role) and forced to gamble in her royal casino. As the Hatter (Andrew Lee Potts) helps her battle a secret society called the White Rabbit, Alice uncovers the source of the Queen's wicked power. Tim Curry co-stars in this miniseries.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Alice brings her boyfriend, Jack Chase, home to meet her mother. After dinner with some privacy, Jack receives a text, "RUN." Jack asks to take Alice to meet his parents, who are "over seas." Alice doesn't know, so Jack offers her an old family ring. Alice decides it's to fast and sends Jack on his way. Alice soon realizes Jack still slipped her the ring and takes off to find him. She finds him being hit and kidnapped by strange men, one of which wears his long white hair in two long ponytails down his back. Alice, still caring deeply for Jack, takes off after them to find her boyfriend following the white haired man through the looking glass into a strange world.

Okay, after watching this one, my husband has decided I am a little on the strange side, and I might not be able to pick movies any longer. lol. (He doesn't know how to use NetFlix, so he loses. lol!)

This was a 3 part series on SyFy some time ago and I wanted to see it, but never seemed to be around when it was on. Thank you Netflix for having it.

And yes, it is strange, very strange, but creative. The world we fall into is very different, yet similar, to the story of Alice in Wonderland we know. The buildings we first see are extremely tall, and everyone walks on paths around the buildings at each level, or bridges to the next building. The we learn that people from our world are tricked into coming to Wonderland for the Casino's use. The Casino, run by the Queen of Hearts, uses humans to drain emotions into an elixir, which they enjoy feeling.

Oh there were many big names in this version, and I enjoyed seeing them here.

I watched this in one sitting, and at times thought of turning it off. I got bored with it from time to time, and wondered if I wanted to watch it through. But then I would have a moment where I'd laugh and be good to keep going. I think in part it was because I watched the whole mini-series in one sitting, all three hours of it.

Cover Released: Chasing Magic

2012-01-31T09:30:00.002-05:00

I've become a fast fan of Stacia Kane's books and particularly the Downside Ghosts series, and the 5th book has a cover!!

Yes, I know I'm a little behind the eight ball, but I was sick so I'm a little delayed, but sharing anyway....

Now Stacia did make a comment on Twitter to not read to much into the small smile on the model here. So, well... *shrugs shoulders* Maybe not all that happy then?

I do like the tattoos Chess has here, and the city in the background. I look forward to reading on in this world.

Teaser Tuesday (104)

2012-01-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Marcus looked like hell. Aside from the dirt, the scratches and blood-stained clothing, his expression would have frightened the dead.

The Fly in Paradise

By Frances Pauli

pg66

Monday's Beginnings (127)

2012-01-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

So it's Monday... and I'm down with a sinus infection, so sorry no vlog this week. I was really looking forward to doing one to tell you about the books I got last week. But, well, not going to happen. And I'm sorry I'm not going to get any visiting done, as when I'm done with this post, I'm going back to vegetating.

So, what did last week Intel? Well, let me think as the brain is a little foggy today...

Finished:
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Current Read:
The Fly in Paradise by Frances Pauli

Reviews to come for:
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Scars of Silver by S.A. Archer
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Reviews Posted:
Something Wikkid This Way Comes by Nicole Peeler

Movie Review:
Angels and Demons

Podcast Reviews:
They are working on the next set, so when they come out I'll start listening and posting again.

New Covers Shared:
Spider's From Memory by Frances Pauli - some how this book slipped by me as it was just released last week. It's the final book in the Changeling Race trilogy.

I did post a Flash Fiction Friday last week. :) If you would like to stop by to check it out...

My WANT List...I added 10 books! Yes! :D Well, I'm getting back up there with the numbers. lol.

Received Last Week:
Purchased:
This one, among others but after looking into them I think this is his pick, my son found when we were at the bookstore a week ago, and since I had a coupon I went ahead and picked it up for us. He seems to have an attraction to zombies I think. Gaaa...

Goodreads Synopsis:
They'll chase you. They'll rip you open. They'll feed on you...When the sickness came, every parent, policeman, politician - every adult - fell ill. The lucky ones died. The others are crazed, confused and hungry. Only children under fourteen remain, and they're fighting to survive. Now there are rumours of a safe place to hide. And so a gang of children begin their quest across London, where all through the city - down alleyways, in deserted houses, underground - the grown-ups lie in wait. But can they make it there - alive?

Free Friday on the Nook!
I saw this one and even though it's a YA read, I thought for free there would be no lose, so added it to the Nook.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Maddy Swift is just a normal girl—a high school junior surviving class with her best friend and hoping the yummy new kid, Stamp, will ask her out. When he finally does, her whole life changes.

Sneaking out to meet Stamp at a party one rainy night, Maddy is struck by lightning. After awakening, she feels lucky to be alive. Over time, however, Maddy realizes that she’s become the thing she and everyone else fear most: the living dead.

With no heartbeat and no breath in her lungs, Maddy must learn how to survive as a zombie. Turns out there’s a lot more to it than shuffling around 24/7 growling, “Brains.” Needing an afterlife makeover is only the beginning of her problems. As Barracuda Bay High faces zombie Armageddon, Maddy must summon all of her strength to protect what matters most—just as soon as she figures out exactly what that is.

Won:
Suzanne McLeod was giving away to a few lucky Twitters one day, I entered, and won a signed copy! Yeah!!

Goodreads Synopsis:
Genny's an expert at cracking spells, but when it comes to ending an eighty-year-old curse, she just might be in over her head...

For once, Genny's life seems quiet. Finn, her sexy boss, isn't pushing for a decision on their relationship, the seductive vampire Malik al-Khan has vanished into the shadows and the witches have declared that Genny is no longer a threat. But she knows it's probably just the calm before the magical storm.

Then a teenage faeling is fished out of the River Thames, dead and bound with magic, and Genny is called in to investigate. Her search exposes age-old secrets that might be better left buried. And when another faeling disappears, Genny is suddenly in a race against time to stop a deadly curse from claiming its next victim:

Herself.

On of my raising to favorite publishing companies for all the amazing books they put out, Mundania Press, did a giveaway for on of their authors for their new release this past week, and I won there! (Thanks to those how don't leave their email address's so they can find you if you win.) I got to pick one of the authors books. I've had my eye on getting this one for a time, it sounds like so much fun. I choose:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Chloe came to the Three Lakes area for the peace and quiet. She happily abandoned the world of retail management, suits and promotions to work as a hotel maid catering to the local tourists. Until Andrew Paige showed up--a suit of the worst kind, the kind that makes her knees weak.

When Andrew offers her a job at his hotel, Chloe is hell bent on resisting, but the Dimensional Shift is no ordinary hotel, and Chloe is immediately tossed into the world of inter-dimensional tourists, their odd accommodations, and a string of thefts that threaten to ruin her chances at romance.

While learning the ropes, dealing with the Shift's unusual guests, and trying to determine if the boss' interest in her is strictly professional, Chloe uncovers a plot to steal the hotel's dimensional keys. With the help of the town gossip, her alien abductee neighbor, and her new invisible best friend, Chloe confronts an inter-dimensional crime ring and a host of complications that make romancing the boss look like the least of her troubles.

Review:
I received this book for review, after a conversation with the publicist. I really don't know when I'll be able to get to it, but it's in the review stack now.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Heaven can go to hell.

Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.

Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves—fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda—who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.

Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne—even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.

So, this week to come? I'm hoping to finish up The Fly in Paradise and move on to another book... what book? Well, it will probably be another review book. :) And I have an author guest post coming up, an author interview, and a giveaway. :) So I'm looking forward to getting some antibiotics in me and getting squared away and ready to fly here. :)

How does your week look? Here's to having a wonderful week in words and pages.

Book Review: Something Wikkid This Way Comes

2012-01-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

Something Wikkid This Way Comes

By: Nicole Peeler

Publisher: Orbit Books, Orbit Short Fiction

Publish Date: January 17, 2011

Format: eBook

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Set in Jane True world, but 1st of Triptych Company

Recommendation: Yes. Fun short read with mystery and magic!

Book Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? A story set in Nicole Peelers Jane True Series.

First Sentence:
"A priest and a shape-shifter walk into an office" might be a good premise for a joke, but it's alarming when it happens in real life.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Capitola Jones, half shape-shifter, is partnered with Shar, half Succubus, and Moo, an Alfar, to create Triptych. Triptych helps people, more over supernatural people, "find" things. But an old friend of Capitola's family suggested her business could help the human priest, along with her father whom is of the highest regard in her opinion. The case: The Priest is a Principal at an all girls Catholic private school and every three months girls are leaving, performing strange sexual acts along with sacrifices then disappearing. And no one can find the "man" behind it.

The three ladies find themselves undercover in the Catholic private all girls school. LOL! Oh yes, a half succubus in an all girls school. hee hee.

Oh this was a nice new setting! I loved these three ladies. This is the same world as in the Jane True series, but these are three new ladies to us. And three I do hope to see again in the future. So being the Jane True world, there is magic around and part of the case. They made me chuckle and smile. They are quite a team. They may not see eye to eye on some things, but they love each other dearly, like sisters. These ladies are completely different in personality yet blend so wonderfully.

This book is full of mystery. I kept wondering who the guilty party was, or if we even had the right suspects. Mixed with the mystery is Nicole's fun and snarkiness. I have to say in the end I chuckled, as the joke was made, but it reminded me of an Adult Scooby-Doo episode, with out the dog of course and with three ladies, no men.

I don't want to say to much and give the story away, since it is a short story. But it is fun.

I purchased this short story for my own enjoyment.

Flash Fiction Friday (34)

2012-01-27T10:10:00.000-05:00

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:

(artist of picture, unknown)

Story By: Melissa

Sophia did the one thing she thought she would never do again, and came to accept it. She opened her eyes. The world was fuzzy, but it was there. Sophia blinked several times, and then held her eyes shut tight, to open them to a room draped with sheer material. Sophia lay on a big bed looking through the view distorting material to see a man in a bright red robe.

"You wake." He said in a calm, peace feeling voice. "How do you feel?"

Sophia tried to speak, but only a croak whispered from her lips. Her throat raw and dry, feeling like a dried date looked, from crying and screaming on that cliff they left her on. Then, now, from sleeping. She tried swallowing to bring the wetness to her tongue. The man stood seeing her struggle, walked to a chest of drawers. Sophia heard the splash of liquid in a cup, bringing urgent yearning to her body.

He handed her a clay cup with water throw the screen, as he watched her gulp the liquid down with a matching pitcher in his hand. Sophia looked to him with the empty cup out toward him, she felt like one of the scavengers living in the pits of the city, almost ashamed of herself as she wiped her arm and hand across her mouth and chin but a starved body takes over its own mind and rational thinking to survive. And she found she didn't care. He filled her cup again, and again.

At last Sophia found her voice, with a nod of her head, "Thank you." With a look around the brilliant room she went on, "Where am I? Wha," she swallowed again, "What happened?"

The man's lips turned up, not really what she would call a smile but close. "You now belong to the Freya Order."

Sophia's head spun with wide eyes to the man, then she tried to slow and not show her shock or even fear. "The, the goddess of beauty and love and, and magic?"

"The one," the man started with pride in his voice, "She is also of fertility and war." Then he went on to the next subject standing and pointing to the body by the wall, "Your clothing was but rags from you prison on the cliff side, this is your new armor. We will honor you once you are dressed properly. Knock on the door three times when you are ready." Then he walked from the room.

Sophia sat stunned for a moment. She didn't know what to expect. She had thought she was going to her death with the "sacrifice" she was left as, but never thought she would be cared for like a goddess. That was the only explanation. With ease Sophia unwrapped her legs from under her, sliding them through the silky curtains, standing on wobbly legs.

She walked to the "armor" by the wall, starring at it. Sophia slowly donned the armor, careful to not cut herself on the sharp spikes on the shoulder and at the elbow and knee. Once dressed, she looked down at herself, arms out to the side, her chest half exposed. Bringing her hands together holding her new sword in front of her, she raised her head back resting it on the wall behind her starring at the ceiling. This is no armor; it's ornamental, for these men to see a goddess with the combination of love, lust, and war.

Even though she's alive, what kind of live would she lead?

Looking Forward To...(85)

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Thief's Covenant

By: Ari Marmell

Due Out: February 14, 2012

This is the first book in A Widdershins Adventures, and I think I might have to have it. This year I plan on getting back to reading my big love, fantasy, and this one fits the bill. I love my thieves, and with the mention of a god too... well, I like the sounds. :) And I'm not sure, but I saw someone note it as YA. I didn't see that in the Pyr Newsletter, but I could have missed that piece of information.

Synopsis from Pyr Newsletter:
Once she had climbed to the ranks of the city 's aristocracy in a rags-to-riches story straight from an ancient fairy tale. Today she is Widdershins, a thief making her way with a sharp blade, a sharper wit, and the mystical aid of Olgun, a foreign god. Widdershins and Olgun are going to find answers, and justice, for what happened to her-but only if those who almost destroyed her in those years gone by don't finish the job first.

Throwback Thursday (51)

2012-01-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Oh, many of you know I'm an anthology lover. I love those short stories with just tastes of what new authors, and already loved authors, have to share with us. This one was on the TOP of my list before it was released and when it hit the shelves I jumped to go get it. And darn that time issue for not giving me the time to get caught up to read this. I REALLY want to get to it, and it's with my hearts desire of Fantasy stories.

Edited by: Lou Anders

Authors:

Jonathan Strahan, Joe Abercrombie, Glen Cook, Steven Erikson, Garth Nix, K.J. Parker, Robert Silverberg, Gene Wolfe, C.J. Cherryh, Michael Moorcock, Tim Lebbon, Greg Keyes, Michael Shea, Scott Lynch, Tanith Lee, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Bill Willingham, James Enge

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seventeen original tales of sword and sorcery penned by masters old and new

Elric . . . the Black Company . . . Majipoor. For years, these have been some of the names that have captured the hearts of generations of readers and embodied the sword and sorcery genre. And now some of the most beloved and bestselling fantasy writers working today deliver stunning all-new sword and sorcery stories in an anthology of small stakes but high action, grim humor mixed with gritty violence, fierce monsters and fabulous treasures, and, of course, swordplay. Don't miss the adventure of the decade!

Who? What? Where (51)

2012-01-25T08:34:00.000-05:00

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm sitting with Sarmin in his prison of a bedroom. His brother, the Emperor Beyon, has surprised Sarmin by doing something he has never done before, visiting him. Beyon asked Sarmin to not betray him, and also told Sarmin he is sick as well, showing Sarmin the markings of the "plague." Sarmin is recording the patterns of Beyon's marks and thinking there is a secret there. I think Sarmin is smarter than given credit for, even though he's not had human contact he seems to have his own plans he's putting together with all of his sudden and new visitors.

The Emperor's Knife
By: Mazarkis Williams

Movie Review: Angels & Demons

2012-01-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Angels & Demons

Released: 2009

Rated: PG-13

Recommendation: Yes, for a twist on a faith to create a wonderful mystery in symbols, gets you thinking.

Synopsis:
Following the murder of a physicist, Father Silvano Bentivoglio, a symbolist, Robert Langdon, and a scientist, Vittoria Vetra, are on an adventure involving a secret brotherhood, the Illuminati. Clues lead them all around the Vatican, including the four altars of science, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. An assassin, working for the Illuminati, has captured four cardinals, and murders each, painfully. Robert and Vittoria also are searching for a new very destructive weapon that could kill millions.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Robert Langdon is back, called to help for his expertise in symbols and the Catholic history. Robert has asked access a few times to the Catholic special library, to finish his books, but denied. Now the Catholic Church asks his help, with a secret group, the Illuminati, who seem to have a mission in mind with the help of a scientific project that has made a huge break through that could help them in this thinking.

I'm not going to compare this one to the first one. They are different cases, just with the same main investigator. No, Robert is not an investigator, but I like the feel of a case and solving. He is investigating a case, just solving it with secreted symbols and clues.

I am not a big person of religion, actually it kind of turns me off of a movie or book. Unless it's done in a way I don't feel like I'm being preached to, and these movies feel that way to me. The Catholic order has a long history, and the connections in it are there to make it one to dig around and make thoughts pop out in any direction. I like that. A twisted way of thinking, and gets me thinking right with it. No, I did not come away feeling as the Catholic order had been wronged.

The scenery was lovely. I felt like I got a view of statues and sites I will probably never get to visit, which was lovely. And a view on history, though twisted to an angle. I like it.

There was a very good bit of action to this as well. Robert is figuring out the clues just a tad bit late in the time frame given, so we on on the chase most of the book. And the action is always going as well. Kept me wondering if he was going to get ahead of the "player" or not. Very well done.

My husband even watched this one with me, and that is a major feat as if had religion in it - he's worse than me on the "turned away from religion" themes. But he enjoyed it and the angle of the mystery as well.

We both enjoyed this one very much.

I really should read these books. I have The Lost Symbol at home, and do one day want to read it.

Teaser Tuesday (103)

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

Oh, this is a teaser for me as well. Now I can't wait to get to this point!

This Week:

Eyul studied her for a moment. In the ruins she'd feared him as much as the ghosts, afraid he'd slit her throat. In a day or two her arm would swell, and she'd beg for that mercy.

The Emperor's Knife
By: Mazarkis Williams
pg93

Book Release: Spiders from Memory

2012-01-24T09:11:00.001-05:00

This one slipped past me! How is that possible? Really!?! But it's now available, and it's the third and final book to the Changeling Race series...maybe? lol. If you are wondering Frances Pauli has posted about that very question on Mundania Press. But at this point the book does wrap up the books.

But on to the book that's now available!

Book Description:

The Seelie court is gone, and the Tower has fallen into darker hands. Now nightmare creatures terrorize the Fey races, and the whole Fey world turns to frost and shadow.

Liz Larson holds the last remnant of the Seelie Sidhe's power. The elves look to her for guidance, but all she has to offer them is the disturbing story of their origin, the final truth that will turn many of them against her. With her dwindling number of allies, Liz needs to reopen the borders, to find the missing Marcus Bramble, and to avoid the sudden, terrifying attention of the new Fey ruler, the Unseelie Speaker and new master of the Sidhe Tower.

While her friends in Mundanity race to pry open the gates, and Marcus searches for the answer to a puzzle that could save or damn them all, the Unseelie Speaker marches north, bringing his army and his wrath to focus on Elizabeth.

What can one, fairy-touched human do in the face of the Unseelie court's full fury? How can she fight when the enemy's anger is only partly blind, when she can see all too clearly the traces of justice behind it?

What do you think?

2012-01-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

My little blog here has really grown since I first started it. I started just to record what I've enjoyed about book, to help me remember, and to come across others out there that enjoy the same books as I do. For fun. That's what reading is right? For us, it should be fun, something we enjoy.

Well, the blog has grown and taken on a whole world of it's own. And I love it. This is where I start to get to my point...

I was thinking of putting the feelers out to see about bringing on another reviewer. Someone who enjoys the same taste in books and hopefully reviews in a similar fashion. But I want to ask you all what you think? In doing this should I stop doing any of the meme's I do?

Monday's Beginnings
Teaser Tuesday
Who? What? Where? Wednesday
Throwback Thursday
Looking Forward Too... Friday
Flash Fiction Friday
Just for Thought ~ Occasionally done

Should I make the blog more book geared and less personally geared? Would you like more reviews to show up or do you like the smaller feel with me around more?

I do want to get some time in on my train-wreck-book here, and start with other ideas that are swimming around. And the help would be greatly appreciated.

Any concerns you would have to me doing this? Any ideas to let me know what you would like to see or not like to see?

I know this sounds crazy, me asking you. But if you think about it, you have become a big part of me enjoying the blog, so I want to know more of what you would like to see, and what you would think of a few changes.

I know I enjoy the small blogs, and sometimes when they start to expand I start to lose track because there is to much information coming from them. Please let me know what you think. I'm not looking to grow to a huge blog, but maybe just a little help around the edges. ;)

Thank you! I look forward to your thoughts.

Monday's Beginnings (126) Vlog Style (12)

2012-01-23T19:47:00.002-05:00

It's Monday, and back to the grind we go...

Reading:
The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams

Finished & Review to Come:
Cybrosis by P.C. Haring
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Something Wikkid This Way Comes by Nicole Peeler
Scars of Silver by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Reviews Posted:
Bad-Ass Faeries, Just Plain Bad - anthology
Addicted by S.A. Archer
Cybrosis by P.C. Haring

Movie Reviews:
No, but I have 1 if not 2 to come.

Podcast Reviews:
I'm waiting for the next set to come around. :) Looking forward to them!

New Covers Shared:
Shadow's Master by Jon Sprunk

Book Chat:
We finished Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews and have been chatting the whole book!

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday again. :) If you dare, I hope you enjoy.

My WANT List...I added 7 books. I know, not many, but I'm slowing down. I have LOADS of past books I need to get too! :D

Received Last Week:
Purchased:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Now that the threat of war has passed, Sabina Kane is ready to focus on the future. Her relationship with Adam Lazarus is getting stronger and she's helping her sister, Maisie, overcome the trauma of her captivity in New Orleans. Even Giguhl is managing to stay out of trouble thanks to the arrival of Pussy Willow and his new roller derby team. But as much as Sabina wants to feel hopeful about the future, part of her doesn't trust that peace is possible.

Her suspicions are confirmed when a string of sadistic murders threaten to stall treaty negotiations between the mages and the vampires. Sabina pitches in to find the killer, but her investigation soon leads her down dark paths that have her questioning everyone she thought she could trust. And the closer she gets to the killer, the more Sabina begins to suspect this is one foe she may not be able to kill.

For on the Nook:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? A story set in Nicole Peeler's Jane True series.

So, how does your week look?

I'm hoping to get through The Emperor's Knife this week. We shall see what the week has in store for me.

Here's wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Book Review: Cybrosis

2012-01-22T21:22:00.002-05:00

Cybrosis

By: P.C. Haring

Publisher: Off the Deep End Multimedia

Publish Date: December 12, 2011

Format: Arc

Genre: Science Fiction, Cyberpunk

Series: Stand Alone, 1st book in series with Ciris

Recommendation: Yes. If you enjoy action and adventurous mystery with technology mixed in, go see this one!

Book Synopsis:
For Agent Ciris, the mission should have been simple: get in, apprehend the target, get out. But when the simple snatch and grab goes horribly awry, the worlds first cyborg find herself backed into a corner. At odds with her superiors, she becomes embroiled in two conspiracies - one intended to destroy her with a cybernetic virus that will neutralize the technology that keeps her alive, the other intended to keep hidden the untold secrets of her origin. With the walls closing in around her, Ciris becomes a rogue agent with no one to trust and only one objective - unravel the shrouds of secrecy before time runs out.

First Sentence:
Computer networks cover the Earth, connecting distant corners in an instant.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ciris and her crew of operatives are on a mission to find and bring in Dr. Leon Quincy, who has become a dangerous computer hacker. The simple mission turns messy and damage claimed by many is beyond belief of The Center, who's now upset with Ciris for her disregard of care to property around her. Ciris is listening to the speech from Director Briggs on her disregard and how the physical damage caused while on cases has become beyond excessive since the accident, then unwillingly and not knowing why, she passes out. These two combined with holding information from her crew gets Ciris grounded to paperwork, but quickly she returns to the field when she is the only agent around and Quincy is at his worst again. We then see someone has other ideas for Ciris, using her computer side as a weakness...or is it her human side? Ciris fights her virus and Cybrosis while trying to come to terms with many lies and betrayals around her.

This book started out as Podcasts, which you can find on the authors site. I found my way there by way of Tales from the Archives, and listened to the first podcast. I loved what I heard, but not having an iPod to load to, and not being able to carry with me, along with always being interrupted at home (you know how those kids and husbands are) I wasn't able to get to listening to more. Which bummed me out as I really wanted to. So, when I found out P.C. Haring made his debut into books, I jumped at the chance to read a copy of this book. And I'm so glad I did.

We start with full, high speed action with loads of bullets and fire! Then we end with it as well. And through out the book, yes we have it there too. Ciris is always wrestling with someone.

I loved the word usage! So vivid, and easy to visualize. Such strong words used, dropped the images into my head.
     "riddled with holes..."
     "charred remains..."
     "She raised her left arm and a pod slightly larger than a deck of playing cards rose a few centimeters from the back of her forearm." - This whole sentence made it so easy to visualize! Who couldn't see this?

This brings me to my next subject, cyber and technology. I always get a little fearful when picking up a cyber book or science fiction book that I will not understand the equipment or terms used. In this case, P.C. Haring made it incredibly easy for me. His descriptions were vivid and in terms I understood. He didn't linger on the items longer than he had to, I know there is some huge and powerful equipment here, but as they are part of the setting and story, they were not the storyline itself. Ciris was. Thank you P.C. Haring. I enjoyed the high tech equipment and usage. The cars, can be driven or navigate on their own. Computer access to Centers network from in the car.

Ciris... I have to say I feel for this woman. All that has happened to her to get here, and beyond. She is broken, but she is very strong. Really, one of my kind of leading ladies. P.C. Haring does well of controlling our feelings where Ciris is concerned, when we feel with Ciris the holes in her heart then turn it off with Ciris to be business when at work.

P.C. Haring kept me wondering and turning the pages as he deepened the mystery behind Cybrosis, the virus, and the betrayals all around in each chapter. I was curious what our "man" would do next, when would we meet him, and why. I wanted to learn all the answers and to see what destruction Ciris would create next.

Very nice debut into books!

Would you like to learn more? You can check out P.C. Harings' site: Cybrosis.
If you would like to listen to the Podcasts of Cybrosis (which I have to say in just the first one I enjoyed the different voices) You can do so with this link.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Flash Fiction Friday (33)

2012-01-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

The Image This Week:

By: Melissa

Ceran sat on the fallen tree watching the fog roll across the dark lake. The women of the village no longer came into the woods, and he had no one to...play with. The women of his kind have all died out, or left to a find a healer to help them.

The women from the village use to come see him, all the time. His young beautiful face, with a natural pout brought the woman close, wanting to comfort him. Once he touched them, they became entranced by his smooth, liquidy skin. They loved to rub against it and feel the jolt of excitement that followed.

The men of the village caught on after several of them lost their wives to the woods, and the few who did return no longer accepted their husbands in their bed.

Now, Ceran was left alone. Two white doves fluttered to a branch beside him. White feathers jumped to his attention against the gloom background the forest had become. With his kind gone, and the lack of excitement and fun, the flowers didn't bloom any longer, and the trees were dying. The magic was leaving the world.

A dove cooed, bringing Ceran's eyes into focus on it. It told him it had a message for him, and turned into a female with shimmering wings full of health. Ceran's mouth dropped to speak, but nothing came out as his mind froze from shock and happiness.

"Yes Ceran. We have found the one to help us." Her voice reminded him of the growing of roses; tempting, beautiful, yet wild. "Will you come be with us?"

Ceran jumped from the broken tree he sat on, landing within inches of the beauty before him. His fingers found their way to her face, feeling the familiar smoothness he’s been craving to feel on another, then gliding down her neck to her shoulder. His eyes traced with his fingers the glimmering skin he desired, then returning to her sparkling brown eyes. There was fun and hope in that sparkle. He remembered Blossom, she was always one of his favorites to spend time with. Ceran leaned in grazing his lips across hers before claiming them for his own. His arms found their way around her waist, tickling her wings.

Blossom giggled, sounding like the ripple of fresh water, "I take that as yes."

A flutter of wings, Ceran and Blossom left the perishing forest behind them.

Looking Forward To...(84)

2012-01-20T09:00:00.003-05:00

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Unbroken

#4 in Outcast Season

By: Rachel Caine

Due Out: February 7, 2012

I read the first book and enjoyed Cassie and her...troubles. I like the jinn take as well. I've got the next two books waiting for me to dive into. And I want to keep going with the series when I do. Book number 4 has snuck up on me and is preparing to make it's appearance.

Goodreads Synopsis:
For millennia, Cassiel was a powerful Djinn-until she was exiled to live among mortals. Now the threat of an apocalypse looms, and Cassiel is in danger of losing everything she has come to hold dear...

As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her own-the Djinn. With Weather Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those that are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for.

Cassiel is opposed by a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost...

Book Review: Addicted

2012-01-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

Addicted

By: S.A. Archer

Format: Ebook, Novella

Publisher: Ravynheart Publishing

Publish Date: January 2012

Series: 2nd in Touched Series
Affiliated with: Champion of the Sidhe, and Rise of the Unseelie series

Book Synopsis:
Suffering from the addiction to the Sidhe Touch, London is obsessed with finding a source of magic that can ease her curse. Unfortunately, premium magic like the Touch comes with one heack of a high price tag. Working off the debt she's racked up to the dealer may well terminate her addiction once and for all, because nothing's more dangerous than doing a Changeling's dirty work.

First Sentence:
"Are you sure he's Sidhe?"

My Thoughts and Summary:
London is feening terribly for the Sidhe Touch, and Sidhe are rare to come across, almost impossible to find. London is addicted and will pay any price for the touch. She meets with four newbie vampires who think they know of a Sidhe, when London mentions the magic she see a response the tells her they know where one is. But to see the Sidhe could cost London more than just money. Could the next Sidhe be worse than the first one, the one that cursed her?

This novella was a slower start for me. But in that I will also say it's setting up London's addiction, to make us aware of her condition since we left Cursed which was before she became to bad in her addiction. Also, it draws the world of creatures of night for use too. We see vampires with fey in this side of the Sidhe series'. The Touch Series is definitely, thus far of the three series', has more sensual and sexual nuances to it.

We meet a few new characters here. Rand, I can't say much other than he's not really a good guy but one for the money. And we meet Joe Lansing. Now I kind of like Joe, and I'm hoping we have future contacts with him. He could be a potential strong character to work with London, yet has his opinion on things that might not agree with her too.

London keeps trying to survive with this curse in the "right" way, or as close to it as she can. London is starting to see that might not be an option, any way she goes. One thing that stuck with me was no reason or goal was given for a "mission" London was sent on, as her payment, but I'm thinking this is what addiction does to you and you don't have to or want to know.

After reading this one, I'm looking forward to London potentially crossing paths with Donovan from the Rise of the Unseelie series.

I received a copy of this short story for an honest review from the author.

Throwback Thursday (50)

2012-01-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

This one I won in a blog giveaway. I do like the sounds of this one, kind of has a futuristic, maybe dystopian, feel to it. I got this when my blog was just starting to go and I was trying to read review books...then I got backed up with review books.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Harper Adams was six years old in 2012 when an act of viral terrorism wiped out one-half of the country's population. Out of the ashes rose a new government, the Confederation of the Willing, dedicated to maintaining order at any cost. The populace is controlled via government-sanctioned sex and drugs, a brutal police force known as the Blue Coats, and a device called the slate, a mandatory implant that monitors every word a person speaks. To utter a Red-Listed, forbidden word is to risk physical punishment or even death.

But there are those who resist. Guided by the fabled "Book of Noah," they are determined to shake the people from their apathy and ignorance, and are prepared to start a war in the name of freedom. The newest member of this resistance is Harper -- a woman driven by memories of a daughter lost, a daughter whose very name was erased by the Red List. And she possesses a power that could make her the underground warriors' ultimate weapon -- or the instrument of their destruction.

Book Blog Chat (22) Stop 2

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

We have come to the end of Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews. Wow. What an ending!

Okay, no messing around today. Right to business!

***Warning: There WILL BE SPOILERS in questions and comments.
If you have not read the book and don't want to be spoiled, read no further.

Robyns Questions:
1.) Curran gave Kate a bowl of food. Do you think Curran was being nice or does he want something? Or should I say someone? He seems to want her but also doesn't seem to want her.
2.) If Bran lived would Curran have competition? do you Bran's character could have lived or do you think he was meant to die?
3.) If someone got a hold of Kate's blood, what do you think they could do with it?

Melissa's Questions:
1.) What do you think this "Roland" up to that all the knights where away? We are picking up pieces of history about Roland. What do you think the story is with him to Kate?
2.) What blood flows through Kate that would be older than Morrigan? Any thoughts on her heritage?
3.) Do you think we'll see Julie again? What about Red? Any thoughts on him, here or in the future?

Who? What? Where? (50)

2012-01-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm standing with Tecgui and Briggs in Briggs' office talking about Ciris... Tecqui has a little bit of a sore neck, which he kind of earned...maybe? But I'm wondering what Ciris is going to do how.

Cybrosis

By: P.C. Haring

Teaser Tuesday (102)

2012-01-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Before she finished the sentence Ciris' body was in motion, falling backward out of the helicopter to the ground. As she fell, her eye caught sight of Tecqui failing to suppress a worried laugh, no doubt in fear she would hurt herself.

Cybrosis
By: P.C. Haring
pg 49

Book Review: Bad-Ass Faeries

2012-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

Bad-Ass Faeries
Just Plain Bad

By: Edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail, and written by numerous authors

Publisher: Mundania Press

Publish Date: May 2008

Format: Paperback, Trade size 281pgs

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Fae

Series: 2nd in Bad-Ass Faeries anthology collection

Recommendation: Oh yes! Amazing faery tales that could be considered dark fables.

Book Synopsis:
Don't worry about things that go bump in the night; count yourself lucky if these fae give you that much warning. In the finest tradition of the original Bad-Ass Faeries, this collection delves into the darkest corners, exploring every tough and terrifying aspect the legends of faeries ever claimed...and then some.

Lose yourself in twisted tales of homicidal faerie clowns. Read on in fascinated horror as a faerwolf is born, and unwise parties-of-the-second-part come to rue deals made with a different kind of devil. Here is where you discover just how many faerie tales never even get a glimpse of Happily Ever After...

My Thoughts and Summary:
Normally I review each story in an anthology individually to give you a feel of what's in the book and what to look forward to. This one is hard to do that with as there are so many stories here. AND what makes it even harder, is I found I enjoyed just about all of them!

These tales gave me a feel of the dark faery tales of old, some set in more recent time frame, that have not been sugar coated for children. They are wonderful!

The book has four sections: Rebel Fae, Rogue Fae, Shadow Fae, and Enforcer Fae.

I liked the Rebel Fae section, but found I really enjoyed one story particularly.
Party Crashers by Trisha Wooldridge & Christy Tohara
A crew are working as a special unit going in for a Sidhe bank robber, one who has the ability to control minds and does so in his game with humans to make the transfer money to his accounts along with collecting artifacts from museums.

I enjoyed the Seelie/Unseelie feel and the surprise in the end about Cameron. I wondered in the end of this story if there are more short stories with this cast of characters, or at least with Cameron and Monica and their secrets.

I found Rogue Fae was the section to really catch my eye, with several of the stories. These stories where darker, mysterious, and more fighting.
A Clear-Cut Case by Elaine Corvidae
Adaira visits detective Sorcha Barrow and Dr. Elizabeth DaTarn (both fae) curious about the strange circumstances of her husbands murder, the why he was murdered and some innards where missing.

I really liked how the world was drawn through the words of action in the story. And there is a mystery! Unseelie style. :)

Whisky Sour by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Juliette smells him, the one regret, coming but ignores her instincts. The one voice she'll never forget orders a Whiskey Sour and repeatedly asks to talk to her in private. Finally Juliette agrees to talk to Toby, to get rid of him. Toby needs her help to retrieve something.

Okay, so I'll admit, this story is the reason for me picking up this anthology, along with a few other new authors I wanted to sample. But I found I loved Jules! Her character grew into her powers in this short story. She's a smart woman, and knows how to take charge. Jules is fae, with a little extra something else now mixed in, no thanks to the history with Toby. I enjoyed the quick action and hope to meet Jules again in the future.

Zwischenzug by Lorne Dixon
Vassili plays chess with a little fairy friend, Penni, in his funeral home, when his nephew shows up with Vassilli's deceased brother and a rather large man responsible in the trunk. When things go bad for Vassilli, Penni goes to ask Zwischenzug for help.

This story created a whole new creature for me, Zwischenzug. This story has a mafia feel to it. There is also lots of fighting and blood but in the end I found it touching and sad. I have to say this story was very well written to draw me in like this.

Pixie Dust by Steven Earl Yoder
Aysa goes to a voodoo master for help. Here in Louisiana she is tormented and now harmed by the mean local rogue fae, she is looking for protection and Bosun helps her.

Aaaa, now this one. This one has a feel of the dark old fairy tales. One that has a moral and a tale that could become one to pass on to your children, when they are older. See this one does not have the shiny endings we have grown accustom to in our fairy tales. Wonderful!

Shadow Fae
Do You Believe? by C.J. Henderson
men of supernatural dealings meet at Narkane, a neutral place for all demensional beings to met and do business, to chat it up of happenings and tell each other stories.

In this one, one of the men tells a story of how there is a faery cockroach. Yes, sounds gross, but I loved this tale. The story teller weaves it so good, the man believes it, and I could see why. I could have believed the whole creation too. lol.

Within the Guardian Bell by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Lance had to leave Suzanne's side to do club business and now speeding home on his motorcycle. The close call from a passing car jingles the magic bell Suzanna gave him for protection. Smear a road gremlin doesn't like Lance, or his little bell, and decides to go after the two, to crush them.

Oh, I know I'm not suppose to like Smear, but I just love the little single minded gremlin. lol. And he tries his best. I also found I wanted more of Lance and Suzanne. I really liked the feel around them. Another story I will have to see if I can find more stories about.

The Seelie Seven by Lee C. Hillman
Robin and Spike are thieving fey who have been caught and only chance to live freely is to become part of a military special mission, in retrieving a stolen item from the Unseelie.

I want to see the Seelie Seven again! Where this story ended it could be possible to have another story out there as well. I loved the mix of the guilty party with their last chance to make good for a free life again. The mission is dangerous and they might not make it. This story was full of action, and deceiving. I liked it!

Enforcer Fae
Shadowcutting by Steven Mangold & Jason Franks
After getting cut, literally, on his latest job Theo wakes in the hospital with a new card from DB Armory in his wallet. going to check this 'person' out, with his broken Glaive, he finds he likes the Shadowcutter sword.

I liked the story with this sword. It's a special fae sword that cuts to kill your enemies through their shadow. But something is going on with Theo, every time he uses this sword. Theo is growing to like the power he has with the sword, but not realizes what it's doing to him in the process. Interesting tale. Again one not with an ending we are so accustom to, but I loved it.

Twilight Crossing by John Passarella
Ray, a talented bouncer at a local tavern, senses trouble when a new young visitor arrives, sitting at his own table peacefully. Shortly after the young mans arrival three trouble makers come in and they begin a fight. Ray ends up learns more about himself that he had forgotten about.

Oh I like the mystery behind the unknown, forgotten past. The way Ray 'knows' things about the knife used and slowly remembers a life he didn't know he had. I enjoyed the tavern atmosphere, fighting, and the writing style of the author in this one.

~~~~

All in all I really enjoyed these stories. There were 20 stories in total here, and all are very good reads. I tried to not to over do it, but I ended up mentioning 10 of the 20 stories. And there where others I wanted to tell you about as well.

I purchased this book for my own enjoyment.

Cover Release: Shadow's Master

2012-01-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

This is a fantasy series I've been loving, and the third book in the Shadow Saga now has a cover!

I love this! Look, there's Kit! Yes, I really like Caim's friend, she always has his back. Caim looks a little rougher in this cover as well, but he is going through some rough times where he's at... (read the books! lol!)

Monday's Beginnings (125) Vlog style (11)

2012-01-16T18:25:00.001-05:00

Another Monday...

Reading:
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews - for Book Chat on Thursday
Cybrosis by P.C. Haring

Finished:
Lineage by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Reviews Posted:
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Foreshadow by A.S. Archer

Movie Review Posted:
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Podcast Review:
Tales from the Archives 12 ~ The Precarious Child

I shared some new covers this week:
Bite Me: Or the Obvious Title for a Novel About a Vampire and a Werewolf by Lori Stronglin
The Janus Affair: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Special Post:
I guest posted over at Missie's blog, The Unread Reader. I love these posts. :) They are: When I'm Not Reading... so what do I do when I'm not reading? You can stop by and see. :)

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday last week. I don't think it's one of my best, but that will happen. Hope you enjoy it.

My WANT List... I only added 2 books. That number just doesn't sound right. Does it? Hm, I don't know what I'm doing here.

Received Last Week:
Purchased:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Defiant, nocturnal, moody, and short tempered. Though she sounds like a typical teenager, River is anything but. She's a werewolf. River was once the alpha female of a wolf pack, until one night when she was attacked and bitten by a mysterious human. When she awoke, she found herself completely alone, and changed into a young human girl. Three years later, after being thrust into a world where she doesn't belong, and living in foster care, River believes she'll never know who bit her or why. Then one day in school, all that changes. Enter Daryl, who seems to be a normal teenage boy, though River recognizes him for what he is: the human that changed her. He holds the answers to all her questions, but only offers vague responses. He seems to be a step ahead of her at every turn, giving her only enough information to create even more questions. Although they're playing his game, River is determined to win. As if being stuck in a world she hates, with a life she never asked for, and faced with a destiny she doesn't want wasn't bad enough, River still must find a way to survive every human's greatest challenge: high school.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The long-awaited sequel to award-winning River (2006) continues werewolf River Wolfe's struggles through the human world as well as her journey towards her destiny. River, former alpha female of a wolf pack, has been human for nearly four years and is finally comfortable with her life. She has a new pack-consisting of humans, a couple of fellow werewolves, and a weredeer-and a mate she loves more than anything. She's dealt with a year of high school, made more than her fair share of enemies, and has at last accepted that she'll never again turn back into a wolf. Her world and newfound peace is shattered, however, when a woman shows up claiming River is her long-long niece. With no proof to the contrary-as no one believed her werewolf story anyway-River is forced to go with the stranger, far from her family. Once again ripped a life she knew and those she loves, now River must not only struggle with the separation from her pack, but with more and more questions that arise. How will she get home? Who is responsible for this case of mistaken identity? And, most importantly, what could they possibly gain from it all?

So how does the new week look for you?

I have plans to finish Magic Burns by Wednesday for the final chat on Thursday then finish up Cybrosis by the weekend. Then, what's next? Well, I have many here to get into for reviews, but I want to get through these amazing reads first. ;)

Here's to a wonderful week in words and pages.

Cover Release: Hunter of the Dead

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Zombies!

Okay, so as many of you know I'm not really a zombie kinda person. But, I heard of this book and read the description and it sucked me in. I like my stories with more underlying and meaning. For me most zombie books are just brainless monsters, this one sounds like zombies are here, but they are not the storyline's main purpose, which is wonderful to me. Oh, yes there sounds like lots of hunting and killing of zombies, but there is a reason here. AND it's YA! Yes, a Young Adult Zombie read. :)

The cover has been released, and I want to share it all with you.

What do you think of the sounds of this one?

Description:
Eighteen-year-old Eden Rosenberg knows how to kill and she’s damn good at it. Until recently, her life was pretty easy – get a call from her team’s mysterious employer, jet off to a new location, kill some zombies.

But the most recent call is different from the others. Instead of being an isolated incident in the middle of nowhere, it’s an entire village at risk. By the time the team shows up, the village is empty, leaving only a handful of infected wandering the streets. Or so it seems until they’re ambushed by far too many zombies for their five-person team to deal with.

On the run and trapped within the valley, Eden is separated from her team when she tries to save a little girl from the inevitable fate of the bitten. To make matters worse, she’s forced to rely on Alejandro, the one man she swore never to trust again, to watch her back. She hasn’t seen him since he walked away from the team – from her – a year ago and she’s not even sure what he’s doing in the valley in the first place

As Eden races to reunite with her team, she’ll have to deal with a homicidal priest who’s more than what he seems and a group of survivors she’s pretty sure are too stupid to live. But things are more complicated than she realized and soon Eden’s forced to confront the truth about the infection; it isn’t an accident and those responsible will do anything to ensure no one gets out of the valley alive.

Cover Release: Bite Me

2012-01-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the Looking Forward To... post last week where I shared some character are and was called:

Bite Me: Or the Obvious Title for a Novel About a Vampire and a Werewolf
By Lori Strongin

Well, I have the cover now! :)

I think this cover is fun. And with being a YA read, looks perfect. :) It gives me the feel of school. I like it!

I wanted to share it with you all...

Description:

This summer at Hedgehill University: take one totally screwed werewolf, a vegetarian vampire, and the psycho who wants to kill them both.

Surfer-boy werewolf Talbot Osbourne is under pressure to get a summer job, find an apartment, and make up for the classes he failed last semester. The fur will fly when Talbot is forced to partner with Julian St. George on a class assignment. Unfortunately, the vegetarian vampire brings more than just a set of fangs to the table when a stalker takes special interest in the unlikely duo.

Time is running out for the ParaNorms of New York as they're picked off, one by one. Talbot and Julian will have to work together to catch the 'Slayer' before the psycho finds them. If they don't kill each other first, that is.

Throw in a shapeshifter with ferret envy, a wizard who makes people's clothes disappear, and an apartment with cannibalistic furniture and zombie squirrels, and these boys are in for the summer of their lives. Or deaths.

Book Review: Foreshadow

2012-01-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

Foreshadow

By: S. Ravynheart & S.A. Archer

Format: Ebook,

Publisher: Ravynheart Publishing

Publish Date: 2011

Series: Prequel to The Rise of the Unseelie Series
Affiliated with Champion of Sidhe series, and Touched series

Book Synopsis:
Jhaer dedicated his life and his magic to protecting the freedom of the Unseelie Sidhe, the nobe elves of the Dark Court. After centuries of war and politics, the Seelie are finally within striking distance of eradicating the Unseelie Court altogether. Out of time and out of options, Jhaer races through Ireland to rescue the one Sidhe who could stop the Seelie. If he can't find her...and fast...there may not be a fey realm to go back to.

First Sentence:
"The Wild Hunt shall sharpen their teeth upon your bones, Chancellor, if you waste my patience."

My Thoughts and Synopsis:
Jhaer is in his court with his Queen tending matters of her Unseelie citizens. The Queen receives an invitation for her and the King from the Seelie to meet with them and Danu, the All-Mother. The point of the meeting, to unite both Seelie and Unseelie as one in the mounds the call home, but there is a prophetess who might have foretold a dim future if this happens.

Right at the beginning it is no secret that Jhaer knows the two opposing courts can not coincide as one, that the world they know it will end in distruction. Jhaer goes in search of Aoife. I'm a little curious on this quick read as I could have used a little more information on Aoife and how Jhaer knew where to look so quickly to find her, even to know that she was help captive. But the twist to the end here made me pause with the liking of it. There is where this short story became a bigger question for me, as to the foretold fortune of the Mound, home to the fey, did someone else plan this?

I do like that we get a view of Jhaer's abilities as fey and his speciality with nature. I do enjoy my magic. :) Also, in addition to Jhaer we get to see other abilities of other fey, and meet his not so nice Queen.

This is definitely a prequel designed to get you curious for what's to come.

I received a free copy of this for joining The Sidhe fan club.

Flash Fiction Friday (32)

2012-01-13T10:39:00.000-05:00

The Image This Week:

By: Melissa

Ellon could feel Sharra's, his only companion, anxiety building as they stalked through the caves. Sharra has hide in the caves, but she was one to run through the freedom of the dark woods hunting her prey.

Sharra started to growl in her throat, Ellon knew she was about to open her mouth to let the demanding rage she felt escape, Ellon touched her head to reassure the calming he was trying to emanate to her. She looked up to him, he could see well in the dark with his elfin eyes, but her eyes glowed taking the chill off the darkness around them.

They searched the caves for the human party that went in yesterday afternoon. There was no sign of them. He had thought he felt magic around them, but being away from people, even his kind, he had lost some of that touch. Years, Ellon thought, years spent wondering around waiting for one to come back or to find the door.

Over the past hundred years there have been groups, not many but enough, coming to find the hidden doorway to the world of Elvenna. They all wanted to be the great explorer to be known as the one to find the land that was fresh, rich, and un-abused by man, magic blossomed from life itself, willingly for use and replenished quickly. They wanted to grow rich and powerful from what they have heard in stories of Elvenna. Here with man the world lived and died each year, the magic was limited.

Ellon and his people came here to escape the order of their king, but found they would not survive as they had hoped, starting to die off a hundred years later. The ones who lived, but were growing weak, returned home one day when the door appeared. Ellon was out tending with those pesky humans and missed the opportunity. Now he lives here, waiting his rescue and guarding the doorway he can't find.

"Do you think they might have found the door? We've wondered these caves and woods for years, to no avail, how could they have found it?" Ellon whispered to Sharra.

Of course Sharra couldn't answer, being the Black Panther she was, but she was always there for Ellon and listened when he talked.

Sharra picked up her pace, jogging ahead of Ellon. He heard her start the rumble in her throat again, the humans maybe? Ellon slowed his silent walk, listening close to the air blowing in the entrance of the cave, he now approached.

Sharra, left the threatening roar rip from her throat and through her taunt lips, barring sharp teeth ready to pounce. Ellon ran to the cave entrance, where he stopped, looking beyond with disbelieve.

There, two of his old friends knelt, facing him, with the human men and their strange magical machines they used to kill their prey. Strange machines setting around them.

"We found two, sir. And a large panther is now roaring down at us." Ellon heard one man call over his shoulder to an unseen man.

"Then kill the thing!" Was all Ellon heard as he took off running for Sharra, but the bang already was heard through the air, Sharra shrieked.

"There's another sir!" The first man called again.

More men came into the clearing, running at him. "I want them alive!" an elder man hollered as he stepped into the clearing as well. A man Ellon knew well in his old life on Elvenna... his father.

Ellon turned to run, but there was the group he followed into the caves, stopping his retreat. The world was on the dying end this time of year, so no magic essence was available for him to pull from. Ellon was out numbered, and trapped.

Ellon turned to look at his father. He knew his father would drain what little bit of magic he had stored deep down in him, and then kill him. That was what he did, why Ellon left his birth place to begin with.

Looking Forward To...(83)

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Wrong Side of Dead

By: Kelly Meding

Due Out: January 31, 2012

Sooooo, I'm a slacker. I have the third book here to read. Yes, I bought it when it came out and have run out of time in 2011. But I do reeeeeally want to continue with this series to see where Kelly takes these characters. I've enjoyed the idea an the world. And now her 4th! book is coming out! I need to get busy reading! lol.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Monster hunter Evangeline Stone woke up on the wrong side of dead this morning—and now there’s hell to pay.

Barely recovered from her extended torture at the hands of mad scientist Walter Thackery, Evy can use a break. What she gets instead is a war, as the battered Triads that keep Dreg City safe find themselves under attack by half-Blood vampires who have somehow retained their reason, making them twice as lethal. Worse, the Halfies are joined by a breed of were-creature long believed extinct—back and more dangerous than ever. Meanwhile, Evy’s attempts at reconciliation with the man she loves take a hit after Wyatt is viciously assaulted—an attack traced to Thackery, who has not given up his quest to exterminate all vampires . . . even if he has to destroy Dreg City to do it. With Wyatt’s time running out, another threat emerges from the shadows and a staggering betrayal shatters the fragile alliance between the Triads, vampires, and shapeshifters, turning Evy’s world upside down forever.

When I'm Not Reading...

2012-01-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

I am spotlighted today on Missie's blog The Unread Reader for her When I'm Not Reading... post. Thank you Missie!!! :) I love reading her posts and meeting some great bloggers around, as I always find new people to follow and chat books with.

But today it's my turn. ;D I do hope you stop by to check out what I do when I'm not reading... (yes, not reading!?! I do have a few of those moments.) lol.

You'll get to see the girls and the mysterious cat no one, I mean NO ONE, ever sees in the house. ;D

Thank you!

Tales from the Archives - Twelve

2012-01-12T11:00:00.001-05:00

Tales from the Archives - Twelve

By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Format: Podcast, 32:52 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk

Series: 12th in Tales of the Archives podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation: Yes. Nice way to meet new characters in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. This one is of agent Harrison Thorne works with, what will become known as, the Ministry Seven.
Synopsis:
The Precarious Child

The street urchins that will one day be called the Ministry Seven, have a task from Agent Harrison Thorne. It seems simple enough, however their leader Miss Verity Fitzroy discovers that a surprise from her past is tangled up with this mysterious man which leads to a very precarious situation.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Verity Fitzroy is hanging by her finger tips out a three story building window, hiding from who's inside. All because of the blasted ticking she had to follow, but it helped her along on her private mission, along with Agent Harrison Thorne's as well.

I loved meeting Verity! She is strong and a fighter, wanting to survive. But there is more to her after listening to this story. Her father's no longer with her, and her Uncle's dead... or so she thinks. Verity is one character I most definitely want to see more of in the future. She has a mystery around her, from her past and the people in it. There is more going on here with her family than we know, and Verity is going to find out. I have a feeling she is going to have a nose for trouble. What caught my eye, or ear, with her is the ticking she hears. She can hear exactly the ticking of all mechanics, which points her in a direction to find a part of a collection she thought was gone. This is a girl to keep an eye out for, she has a story to tell.

We get to meet the "Ministry Seven" through Agent Thorne and how he's helped them, along with them helping him. I think there will be more tales with "Ministry Seven" so I'm REALLY looking forward to them, especially after this story.

Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives is now found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Throwback Thursday (49)

2012-01-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Aaaaa, this one I picked up at a book signing just this past summer. I'd seen the book around the blogs and like the sounds of it. So when I went to the Seton Hill event and saw this book, and the author, I just had to pick it up. :) And yes, it's signed. I do look forward to reading it.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the heart of Ohio, Jessie Shimmer is caught up in hot, magic-drenched passion with her roguish lover, Cooper Marron, who is teaching her how to tap her supernatural powers. When they try to break a drought by calling down a rainstorm, a hellish portal opens and Cooper is ripped from this world, leaving Jessie fighting for her life against a vicious demon that's been unleashed.

In the aftermath, Jessie, who knows so little about her own true nature, is branded an outlaw. She must survive by her wits and with the help of her familiar, a ferret named Palimpsest. Stalked by malevolent enemies, Jessie is determined to find out what happened to Cooper. But when she moves heaven and earth to find her man, she'll be shocked by what she discovers—and by what she must ultimately do to save them all.

Blog Book Chat (22) Stop 1

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

We have come to the half-way point of Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews and we are ready to chat it up!

Would you like to join us in this one? We are discussing the book at half-way and the end. Today the post for the half-way point went up. So we will talk about what's happened and speculate on what's to come. Want to join?

Robyn of The Bookoholic Zone is hosting this week. GO! Go over and join us! :D

Hope to see you there!

Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2012-01-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Released: 2011

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Fantasy

Recommendation: If you like pirates, okay, but to me it was kind of slower than the there Jack Sparrow movies.

Synopsis:
Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jack is freeing Gibbs from prison and the awaiting gallows, to be lead into the hands of those he is wanted by, just to learn there is someone impersonating Captain Jack Sparrow. Jack falls into the right place at the right time to meet her, but winds up on the infamous Blackbeard's ship as part of the crew and co-horsed into leading his past lover and Blackbeard to the Fountain of Youth. Captain Jack Sparrow is back with his tip toed walks, swashbuckling swords, and perfectly laid yet improved plans of escape. This one starts off with a few sword fights and old friends in places we wouldn't expect them.

We enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, so had to get this one as well. I enjoyed watching it and all the characters. Jack Sparrow is still my favorite with his flighty personality, yet he's still so damned smart! I love his twisted ways. Angelica Teach (played by Penelope Cruz) was a new addition, and I like her history in which we just barely get a touch of. I hope we get to see more of her in future Pirates movies. But, with this movie I felt it was a little to long and slow moving in many parts. Very good movie, just not what I was looking for in the Pirates movie. I hate to say this, as it was Christmas day we watched the movie, but the kid left to go play with his new toys and the husband kept falling asleep.

I enjoyed the beginning of the movie with Jack being Jack in the dinning room, and the end of the movie with the action and where Angelica ended up. hee hee. I liked that! This is a good addition to the Pirates series, but just slower moving for me.

Who? What? Where? (49)

2012-01-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm with a little girl, Julie, following her through the Honeycomb. Really a rather interesting place, I think. Mobile homes are distorted and arranged crazily, or piled on top of each other, thanks to the influence of magic fluxes. We are looking to find the leader of her mothers coven, in hopes of knowing where to go to find Julie's mother.

Magic Burns
By: Ilona Andrews

Book Review: Storm Front

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Storm Front

By: Jim Butcher

Publisher: RoC Book

Publish Date: 2000

Format: Paperback 352pgs, pocket size

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: 1st in The Dresden Files

Recommendation: Yeah, a fun series with strong magic influence and a man with manners, for a warlock that is. ;)

Book Synopsis:

Harry Dresden - Wizard

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.

No Love Potions. Endless Purses, or

Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a - well, what ever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get...interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

First Sentence:
I heard the mailman approach my office door, half an hour earlier than usual.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Harry Dresden, a wizard who's come out of the closet and specializes in finding lost items, paranormal and investigations, but Harry hasn't had any work to pay his rent, for some time. Harry is an honest man, with what work had come around and he didn't take the payoff but told the truth. Until a woman calls asking him to find what she has lost...her husband. Then a call from Lt. Murphy comes, asking Dresen to come to her murder scene with a couple dead bodies involved, needing him to look around as she feels is paranormal related. Two cases in minutes after a dry spell of months, Harry tries to handle both cases for both pays.

The book starts fast with two cases, which build the magical creatures and magical usages for us. These two cases bring a wizard investigator into so much more that's out there; vampires, bad magic, and the council that watches over wizards and more.

I love Bob! Bob is a possessed skull that helps Harry with his potions, or has all the potions memorized. But his humor is wonderful! I really enjoy him. I enjoyed Harry as well. He has an old gentlemanly feel to him, yet he's brass too. But he is approachable for me, I know not for the other characters in the book, but I like him just the same. Leutinent Murphy is a hard one. She is a solid rock and on the police force that could make Harry's life hell. But she is a good cop.

I enjoyed the mystery and following Harry along on the two cases he took on. He really gets beat around some, but the mystery all works out in the end. And along the way we get introduced to a real world full of magic that's just starting to come out of it's shell to the public.

I like there is magic here, mixed with humor. It's fun. I plan on continuing with the series to see where it goes, as I've heard the books get better.

I read this book for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (101)

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

Since I have tormented everyone on Twitter with my feelings as I read through Lineage by Skyla Dawn Cameron, I thought I'd share a short few sentences as this weeks teaser.
(Do note: this is an ARC, is subject to changes.)

This Week:

Anger prickled through me and my hands clenched into fists. In the back of my mind magic hummed, beckoned, and it took all of my strength just to hold it the fuck together. "So you do know more about it. Anything else you're not telling me?"

Lineage
By: Skyla Dawn Cameron

Cover Release

2012-01-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

Listen up, Listen up! You remember the first book of a Steampunk series I started last year? Phoenix Rising. We have the cover of the next, and second, book of A Ministery of Peculiar Occurrences. Yes we do, and the blurp! Along with a release date!

I LOVE this cover! Another amazing piece of work for the duo here! (both duo's actually: Wellington & Eliza, and Tee & Pip) And steamships! Look at those. Eliza just catches my eye too. Her bodice, which I do want one, and a gun while she takes charge decked out in bullets.

Alright, to it then...

The Janus Affair

By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Due Out: May 29, 2012

Book Description:

Evildoers beware! Retribution is at hand, thanks to Britain's Best-kept secret agents!

Certainly no strangers to peculiar occurrences, agents Wellington Books and Eliza Braun are nonetheless stunned to observe a fellow passenger aboard Britain's latest hyper steam train suddenly vanish in a dazzling bolt of lightning. They soon discover this is not the only such disappearance…with each case going inexplicably unexamined by the Crown.

The fate of England is once again in the hands of an ingenious archivist paired with a beautiful, fearless lady of adventure. And though their foe be fiendishly clever, so then is Mr. Books…and Miss Braun still has a number of useful and unusual devices hidden beneath her petticoats.

Monday's Beginnings (124) Vlog Style (10)

2012-01-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

It's another Monday...

Reading:
Lineage by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews, to start this week as well.

Finished & Reviewed:
Percepliquis by Michael J. Sullivan

Movie Review:
The Tourist

Podcast Review:
Tales from the Archives 11 ~ From Paris, with Regret

Twitter #ReadingLineage teaser thread

I did a Flash Fiction Friday :) Hope you enjoy it!!

My WANT List...I've added 4 books to the list. Sorry. I feel like I'm slacking on adding to the list. But I have to say I've purchased books on my Nook this week that were not on that list, so that adds up quickly. ;)

Received Last Week:
Purchased:

I love this mug. The characters are from The Moorehawke series by Celine Kiernan, a series I absolutely adored. I had to get this when she made them available to purchase. The saying in english, "Everything will be alright, darling."

Nook Purchases:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Vianne di Rocancheil is a lady waiting at the Court of Arquitaine, where she studies her books, watches for intrigue, and shepherds her foolhardy Princesse through the glittering whirl. Court is a sometimes-unpleasant waltz, especially for the unwary, but Vianne treads its measured steps well.

Unfortunately, the dance has changed. Treachery is afoot in gilded and velvet halls. A sorcerous conspiracy is unleashed, with blood, death, and warfare close behind. Vianne must flee, carrying the Great Seal of Arquitaine with her. This is the one thing the conspirators need to rule, and they won’t rest until they have it. A life of dances, intrigues, and fashion has not prepared Vianne for this. Nor has it prepared her for Tristan d’Arcenne, Captain of the King’s Guard and player in the most dangerous games conspiracy can devise. Yet to save her country and avenge her Princesse, Vianne will become what she must and do whatever is required.

A Queen can do no less.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Sexually assaulted when she was a teenager, Archer has grown into a woman marked by contradictions; she's one of the richest heiresses on the planet but she spends all of her free time roaming the back alleys of Vegas at night, photographing the city's forgotten -- the homeless, drug addicts, runaways, et al. The camera is a shield of sorts for Archer, who enjoys seeing the gaudy world around her in stark black-and-white. This dichotomy takes on new meaning when her egomaniacal dad informs her that he is not her biological father and promptly disinherits her. When her sister Olivia is brutally murdered shortly thereafter by a supernatural assassin, Joanna's world is turned upside down, and she is thrust into the middle of an ongoing spiritual war between Light and Shadow. Following in her wayward mother's footsteps, Joanna becomes the Archer, a crime-fighting member of a much-depleted troop whose mission it is to defeat their astrological opposites, the Shadow Zodiac. But Joanna is much more than she seems; and if she can survive long enough to unravel the mystery surrounding her lineage, she just might be able to shed some much needed Light into the growing darkness .

Goodreads Synopsis:
"This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.

Free for the Nook:

Blodeuedd, I thought of you with this one! :) It's a novella starting the fantasy series.
Goodreads Synopsis:
When two young men go on a hunt that they know will be the last hunt of their youth, they decide they want it to be an unforgettable outing. When they cross a ridge leaving the protection of their kingdom behind, they find a cavern that looks like it needs to be explored. In the cavern they find exactly what they were looking for. In this stoney hole lives something they will never forget!

Blodeuedd, this one too. ;D I'm trying to make a collection, with high hopes for more fantasy reads this year.
Goodreads Synopsis:
The tale of Myranda Celeste, a young woman orphaned by a century long war, and her chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo. The find will change her life, sending her on an adventure of soldiers and rebels, wizards and warriors, and beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step will bring her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world.

Won:
This was won from Ceridwen's Book Lounge. Thank you for the giveaway. :) I really like the looks and sounds of this one

Goodreads Synopsis:
Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped - and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

This second novel by rising star Brenna Yovanoff is a story of identity, discovery, and a troubled love between two people struggling to find their place both in our world and theirs.

This one was won from Chasity at LovLivLife Reviews. Thank you!! :)

Goodreads Synopsis:
The Hallows. Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction?

A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year-old secret.

For decades, the Keepers guarded these Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the Keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood. Now, only a few remain.

With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow—a broken sword with devastating powers—to her American nephew, Owen.
The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.

As Sarah and Owen search for the surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world… and a horror beyond imagining.

For Review:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Suffering from the addiction to the Sidhe Touch, London is obsessed with finding a source of magic that can ease her curse. Unfortunately, premium magic like the Touch comes with one a heck of a high price tag. Working off the debt she’s racked up to the dealer may well terminate her addiction once and for all, because nothing’s more dangerous than doing a Changeling’s dirty work.

Here's to wishing you all the best in pages and books this week.

Looking Forward To...(82)

2012-01-06T09:00:00.004-05:00

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Bite Me: Or the Obvious Title for a Novel About a Vampire and a Werewolf

By: Lori Strongin

Due Out: January 30, 2012

I don't have a cover for this one yet, but with the description I did find character art and descriptions on Lori's site. This sounds like a fun YA read. I'm really looking forward to it!

Description:

This summer at Hedgehill University: take one totally screwed werewolf, a vegetarian vampire, and the psycho who wants to kill them both.

Time is running out for the ParaNorms of New York as they’re picked off, one by one. Talbot and Julian will have to work together catch the ‘Slayer’ before the psycho finds them. If they don’t kill each other first, that is.

Throw in a shapeshifter with ferret envy, a wizard who makes people’s clothes disappear, and an apartment with cannibalistic furniture and zombie squirrels, and these boys are in for the summer of their lives. Or deaths.

The Character Art:

Curious about this pictures to meet the characters? Jump over to Lori Strongin's site to learn about them.

Flash Fiction Friday (31)

2012-01-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

The Image This Week:

By Melissa

I will not look over my shoulder to the horror's I'm leaving.

The dark clouds swept in with speed unseen to our simple living, as the large dark shadows, in the sky, came we then knew it was dark magic. They swooped from the scary sky on folded wings, extending them to their full stretch to snatch my town friends from the spot they stood or ran, reminding me of the hawks in the meadow diving to the ground for their meal. Only, my friends rain down in splashes of red and severed parts. Then the kings' men came. We thought they were here to help us, but turned out they where here to aid the beasts attacking.

The screams of my fellow town's people, horrifying.

I will not look back over my shoulder to see the city I left behind.

I was one of the lucky, to make it to shelter. My father took me to the basement of our tavern to hide, which worked... for a while. We could hear the wood splintering and shattering at the beasts attacks. Even the stone crumbling over top of us. But then the fires came, whether from the beasts jaws or the foot soldiers torches, I don't know. Growing hotter as the fires snaked our way, my father put me in a barrel of water with a hollow tube to breathe with, telling me to stay there no matter what.

The screams that followed where gurgled by the water in my ears, but heart breaking and terrifying the same.

I finally emerged, my lips sore, chapped from the water exposure, my throat aching from gulping water in my panic from the screams. My eyes burned from lack of sleep, for what felt like days in the water, waiting for the heat to dissipate. The sight was terrifying, one I will revisit to those who destroyed this young girls life, killing these people for no reason in such a horrid way. I crawled through the rubble, making as little noise as a mouse would. The army was gone, but the beasts still circle above, guarding, watching.

The screams from the sky sent chills down my spine, a scream of triumph from the dragons overhead.

I found discarded armor, though a little big it must have belonged to a young soldier who didn't make it. Good. I'll need it for what I have planned for the future. I'll grow into it. A few thieves, friends of Father's, talked of the water and sewage tunnels under the city. I heard them talk of an entrance; I use the tunnels to get away, to find safe shelter to rest, to prepare.

I was the only lucky one, to walk away.

Mary died in that barrel with her father beside her, the light in her eyes burned out with the fires. Now Shard is born, with gloom and darkness visible in her eyes as it runs through her veins.

Shard has nothing left to loss; she has nothing to start with. No history to speak of as she doesn't look back.

2011 Challenges Close out.

2012-01-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

What did I read in 2011?

Well, I thought I'd try doing one of these posts to close out my Challenges of 2011 as well. Quite a year here! If you would like to check out any of these reviews, look the title up on the Title Review link Page or by Genre and Author link Page. :) (Across top bar)

I challenged myself to 65 books this year, and read 67! Doing better. :)

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2011:

44.) Head Rush by Carolyn Crane
43.) Flame of Destiny by Colleen Helme
42.) Enclave by Ann Aguirre
41.) In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton
40.) The Viscount and the Witch by Michael J. Sullivan
39.) The Necromancer's Apprentice by R.M. Prioleau
38.) Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
37.) Aftermath by Ann Aguirre
36.) Armageddon Bound by Tim Marquitz
35.) Ada, Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald
34.) Killbox by Ann Aguirre
33.) Legends Reborn by Douglas R. Brown
32.) The Adventures of Dalton Quayle by Paul Kane
31.) Spectyr by Philippa Ballantine
30.) The Last Four Things by Paul Hoffman
29.) Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre
28.) Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
27.) The Rebel Prince by Celine Kiernan
26.)Lodestone: The World of Ice and Stars by Mark Whiteway
25.) Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre
24.) City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
23.) Shadow's Lure by Jon Sprunk
22.) Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
21.) Sword of Fire and Sea by Erin Hoffman
20.) Thief by Sarah-Jane Lehoux
19.) Shady Lady by Ann Aguirre
18.) Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
17.) Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa
16.) Iron King by Julie Kagawa
15.) A Moth in Darkness by Frances Pauli
14.) Billibub Baddings: The Singing Sword by Tee Morris
13.) City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
12.) Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
11.) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
10.) The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay
9.) Chasing the Bard by Philippa Ballantine
8.) The Unfinished Song: Initiate by Tara Maya
7.) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
6.) Triune by Willow Polson
5.) The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
4.) Cybermage by Alma Alexander
3.) Lodestone Bk1: The Sea of Storms
2.) The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman
1.) Finders Keepers by Russ Colchamiro

YA Reading Challenge:

I was just the "Fun Size" YA reader in 2011. I'm very good with that. :)
21.) Enclave by Ann Aguirre
20.) In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton
19.) All Wounds by Dina James
18.) Dael and the Painted People by Allan Richard Shickman
17.) Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagaw
16.) Ada, Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald
15.) Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
14.) The Rebel Prince by Celine Kiernan
13.) Lodestone: The World of Ice and Stars
12.) City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
11.) Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
10.) Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa
9.) Iron King by Julie Kagawa
8.) City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
7.) Zan-Gah book2 by Allan Richard Shickman
6.) Zan-Gah book1 By Allan Richard Shickman
5.) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
4.) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
3.) The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
2.) Cybermage by Alma Alexander
1.) Lodestone Bk 1: The Sea of Storms

Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge:

I failed this one. 24 was the minimum to read, and I was just shy. Darn the last to months of missed reading!

21.) Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
20.) The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay
19.) All Wounds by Dina James
18.) Devil's Business by Caitlin Kittredge
17.) Fate of the Fallen by Sharron Riddle
16.) Wild & Steamy by Meljean Brook, Jill Myles, Carolyn Crane
15.) Hunter by Skyla Dawn Cameron
14.) The Renfield Syndrome by J.A. Saare
13.) Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
12.) City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane
11.) Immortalis: Hunters & Prey
10.) Immortalis: Carpe Noctem by Katie Salidas
9.) Bloodlines by Skyla Dawn Cameron
8.) Shady Lady by Ann Agurre
7.) Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells
6.) Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry
5.) Violet Tendencies by Jaye Wells
4.) The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay
3.) The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells
2.) Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn
1.) Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

So... that was the year in books. Shame I seemed to get lost in November and December... due to Nanowrimo and the Holidays. I'm going to have to figure out a way around that next year. :)

Again, if you would like to check out any of these reviews you can find the links on my Review pages found across the top of the page here. :)

Here's to closing out a great year, and starting a new one!

I'll be joining a few Challenges this year. You can find the new ones on the left side bar! And I'm looking to add more for my Fantasy and Urban Fantasy addiction. :)

Tales from the Archives - Eleven

2012-01-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

Tales from the Archives - Eleven

By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by: Starla Huchton

Format: Podcast, 42.12 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk

Series: 11th in Tales of the Archives podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation: Yes. Nice way to meet new characters in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. This one is of agents Eliza with Harrison in the lovely city of Paris, with golden murders...

Synopsis:
From Paris, With Regret

On assignment in the City of Light, Ministry agents Eliza D. Braun and Harrison Thorne chase down a murderer condemning descendants of a royal bloodline to a horrific death.

My Thoughts and Summary:
I have to say, before the story starts Wellington is reading a Nook! LOL! This was to let listeners know The Ministry's are available for ereads, Kindle. But I loved it. :)

This case is a very special case. A case with Harrison Thorne and our Eliza in Paris. Harrison and Eliza are posing as an ordinary loving couple strolling through Paris. We have Murders of friends to Prince Philip dying
from what they suspect is gold poisoning. Long term gold poisoning with pale skin and golden hair. But these victims have shown no signs of gold poisoning until their death, which they would have had symptoms. So much so that it was commented that the one victim, "contained more gold than the Queens crown jewels." Yeah, a lot of gold! lol.

This item the Ministry is looking for belong to a mistress. There is a whole story and a hatred between them, which works very nicely in this story. I enjoy the short histories and creations here with the characters and new "haunted" items that cause chaos when in the wrong hands.

Eliza is classic Eliza, with the amazing gown and all her hidden armory, along with her bullet prove bodices! And Eliza does mention how she wishes she had her bombs. :) (I love that with her.) We meet an old friend of Eliza's, Gaston. I enjoyed seeing more history of Eliza's, and with Harrison too!

Here I wonder if this is the tale in which Eliza has a glint of regret of her missed opportunity with Harrison, she mentions in Phoenix Rising. I do feel for Eliza here.

We get to hear and see (or told of) the many mechanical items through out this steampunk world; doors, message delivery system, and so much more. I love how this is created here.

Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives is now found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Throwback Thursday (48)

2012-01-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

I feel ashamed. I have this and the two books prior to it, sitting here staring at me, waiting for me to pick them up. And I do want to pick them up, but the days laugh at me and fly by, taunting me.

Goodreads Synopsis:

CHAOS CONTROLS HIS FUTURE. ONE MORTAL WOMAN COULD BE HIS SALVATION. THE COUNTDOWN TO ANNIHILATION WILL BEGIN WITH DANTE'S CHOICE....

THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS...

The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste's past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creawdwr they have sought for thousands of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Fallen Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators — mortal and supernatural — who will do whatever it takes to win his favor...or destroy him.

RESTS IN DANTE'S HANDS.

When beautiful FBI special agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fi ght for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future — before his mysterious destiny tears them apart....

Movie Review: The Tourist

2012-01-04T17:00:00.001-05:00

The Tourist

Released: 2010

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Recommendation: Yes, for those how enjoy a movie that keeps you wondering, more low key action, and a small touch of romance too.

Synopsis:
Elise (Angelina Jolie) sits next to an American tourist, Frank (Johnny Depp), on a train going to Venice. She has chosen him as a decoy, making believe that he is her lover who is wanted by police. Not only will they need to evade the police, but also the mobster whose money her lover stole.

My Thoughts:
Elise (played by Angelina Jolie) has spent two years alone, doing her normal routine, being followed by the French Police who are looking for Alex Pearce, a past lover of Elise's. Elise received a note from Alex, asking her to take the 8:20 train to Venice and pick a man similar to his build then make everyone believe this man is him. Elise picks an American math teacher, Frank (played by Johnny Depp), dragging him into a world of mobsters and police wanting Alex at a cost.

This was a different movie from our normal pick. It seemed to be a lower key in action, but was a very good movie and theme. I liked seeing Johnny Depp playing a different role here. He was starting to get stuck in a specific role for me and here he stepped out of it. Very nice. He played the American math teacher very nicely, then to see his character...evolve? through the movie was great. He played a more serious role here, and fit in very well. Angelina Jolie, is as beautiful as every and I enjoyed her character as well. Interesting relationships here.

Would I suggest this movie? Yes, but if you are looking for high action and lots of humor this one isn't it. I liked this movie kept me wondering. I wondered what Alex Pearce had done to be so high on the mob hit list and wanted by the police as well. Then I wondered if we would ever meet Alex Pearce, even just once in the end of the movie. I think more women might enjoy this one than the men, but very good in the way of a thriller type feel with a touch of romance. There was no sex in this movie, so very good for younger crowds as well.

I will say I did like the end of this one. ;)

Horror & Urban Fantasy Challenge 2012

2012-01-04T16:18:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try to do this one again this year. Yes, I fell short last year, but I love Urban Fantasy reads so.... why not?

The Minimum to read is 24. I'll give it my best again this year. Wish me luck!

I do think I'm addicted to challenges, this one makes 4!

Who? What? Where? (48)

2012-01-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm actually between books at the moment. So I thought I'd give you a quick scene from Percepliquis, my last read.

I stand with Arista, and several others, on the shores of a sea in the caves shining with a green light. We made it this far, down the climb and through the narrow caverns. Now, what dangers lay ahead of us? It can't be easy, since other groups have made this journey and never returned, but we have a few special people with us.

Percepliquis
By: Michael J. Sullivan

Book Review: Percepliquis

2012-01-03T22:12:00.001-05:00

Percepliquis

By: Michael J. Sullivan

Format: Paperback, 553pgs

Publisher: Ridan (but series now with Orbit ~ see covers below)

Publish Date: January 2012

Series: 6th in Riyria Revelations series; 1st Book ~ The Crown Conspiracy, 2nd Book ~ Avempartha, 3rd Book ~ Nyphron Rising, 4th Book ~ The Emerald Storm, 5th Book ~ Wintertide

Recommendation: OH HELL YES!! Go buy it, go buy it now! You love fantasy, you NEED, NEED THIS ONE!

Book Synopsis:
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS
THE ELVES HAVE CROSSED THE NIDWALDEN
AND TWO THIEVES WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE

I saw a great journey. Ten upon the road, she who wears the light will lead the way. The road goes deep into the earth, and into despair. The voices of the dead guide your steps. You walk back in time. The three-thousand-year battle begins again. Cold grips the world, death comes to all, and a choice i before you.

Percepliquis is the final installment of the epic fantasy, The Riyria Revelations. In this saga that began with The Crown Conspiracy, two thieves caught in the right place at the wrong time were launched on a series of ever escalating adventures that have all led to this moment. Three thousand years have passed and the time for Novron's heir to act has arrived.

First Sentence:
Miranda had been certain that the end of the world would begin like this - without warning, but with fire.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Fire and deaths. Women and children are on the run. Men are fighting for their kingdom and homes against attackers we have feared would come. (if you've read the series you have an idea who the attackers are.) Arista's having horrible nightmares, Royce is depressed after the ending in Wintertide, and Hadrian feels guilt. The kingdoms are coming together under the ruling heir, Modina, as predicted, but without the horn it might all be destroyed. The Elves are retaking their lands to the way it was before humans existed. Our friends through the series have one last quest, that could be the death of them but with out it they will die anyway, they all want or need to go on, for different reasons but for the same result, to save man kind.

Screaming from the rooftops, MASTERFUL! This is THE way to end a magnificent fantasy series.

Michael weaves all the books together into this one, pulling pieces together and setting the world; past, present and future, in clear view for us. Some pieces he pulls is: the place on the cover of Nyphron Rising (one of my favorite scenes for a character that comes into her own here) is brought into an all new light. The Gilarabrywn, or dragon type creature, and the Elves which we may have had lots of questions on from the Avempartha. The sailing of the seas from The Emerald Storm is revisited, in a new place. Mentions of the starts of this all and who was pulling the strings, back to The Crown Conspiracy. Just amazing the way Michael took two plain and simple thieves, to create an outstanding series and amazing ending.

This one book holds all the missing pieces we didn't realize we were missing, yet piecing all the secreted comments throughout the series together to complete everything. Five hundred and fifty pages of complete necessity to put the finishing touches on creating the world, the history, the characters. Still surprising me and making me love the characters all over again. Michael has taken a series to all different levels through out this series, and this book is a fabulous ending to it all!

I laughed and cried and worried. Both for happiness and sadness, of many reasons -- the characters and their hardships and humor. Then there is the series completion. I loved every minute of reading this one, and all the books. I will admit, I was a little hesitant at starting this one -- I didn't want the series to end as I loved it so much. But I have to say I LOVED this book, such a perfect ending. I can't describe how well the ending fit for me, all the way to the last sentence. I don't think I can write a review that will give this book it's well deserved justice, or even the series itself. I am just floored with it all; the story, the characters, the depth of the world completed. All of it completed. And an action packed finale.

Royce has earned his right to be in a bad place (mentally mostly) after the ending of Wintertide, which I was a little nervous about. I was just afraid the team wouldn't have their spark, but they had it. Oh they had it. Seeing the characters grow and live through emotions is what makes the book the best, digging deep in us to care. I have always loved the kind heart in Hadrian, but this book...well he has stolen my heart, warming it through and through. We learn of some history with Hadrian and Royce, their first job together, and of their thoughts of each other then. All the characters have their numerous shining moments in this book; Royce, Hadrian, Arista, Modina, Mauvin, Alric, Myron! and so many more!

Outstanding journey, that left me in amazement. Wow. Just plain wow.

This series is top shelf keeper, re-reader for me. I will always ALWAYS go back to my adventures with Royce and Hadrian, and the others.

Now, do you want to buy this series? I say go get it, you need it. The books are out by Orbit now and you can pick them up anywhere. Just look for these new covers in your fantasy section:

Heir of Novron, coming January 31, 2012!

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review, although I would have begged and pleaded to get a copy to finish the series as I've loved it so.

End of Year Giveaway WINNERS!

2012-01-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

What a year in books 2011 was! I'm looking forward to 2012 now too.

Thank you all for the Holiday and New Years wishes! Hope you all had an amazing holiday and New Year's. And here's to 2012 being a warm, healthy, happy one for you all.

Thank you everyone for stopping by to enter. All these books are amazing reads, I hope everyone thinks about all of them for the future. :)

So, with out any further delay, the winners are....

For a Fantasy Selection:

Winner: GentJim325

For an Urban Fantasy Selection:

Winner: Robin K claimed

Winners have been notified, and need to respond within 48 hours from January 3, 2012, 2:00pm EST

Tuesday Teaser (100)

2012-01-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests.

This Week:

With that, Arista threw herself down, wrapped up in her blankets, and closed her eyes. As she did, the robe dimmed and faded until at last it was dark.

Percepliquis
By: Michael Sullivan
275pg

Monday's Beginnings (123)

2012-01-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

It's Monday, in the new year of 2012!

Sorry, no vlog today. I've been sick with this head cold for 4 going on 5 days now. I sound like a frog that's been tossed from lily pad to lily pad, then landing on land just to be stepped on by a knights horse trotting by. Yeah, that bad. Between coughs the throat sounds pretty raw.

But with that being said I did get lots of time between naps and coughing fits to read. Which in all worked out wonderfully as I'm reading a book of 550 pages, which I'm still working on but very close to finishing. :) So good thing I was sick or this one would have taken me a few weeks. ;D

But lets get to what's going on in books here...

Current Read:
Percepliquis by Michael J. Sullivan - loving it... it's the last book in the Riyria Revelations series.

Finished Last Week:
Bad-Ass Faeries Just Plain Bad, anthology
I did get a few (3) podcasts in too.

Yes, I told you I wasn't feeling well since Thursday, so I chilled around the house some.

Reviews Posted:
Cursed by S.A. Archer (short beginning to her series)

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Tales from the Archives ~ Christmas Special - by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine

I have lots to come...
2 Podcast Reviews
2 Book Reviews
3 MovieReviews

Special Posts:
New Years Resolutions Results from 2011 - Close out of 2011, how did I fare? How did you fare?
New Years Resolutions for 2012, Bookish Style. Come link up and check back at end of year to see how you fared.
Book Blog Chat, Next book & schedule.

Sorry, I did not do the Flash Fiction Friday last week. This head cold had me down for a few nights prior.

My WANT List...5 books added. :) I'll keep working on that for you.

Received Last Week:
Winnings:
I won both of these books from Bastard Books in his giveaway.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Circumstance made him a criminal.

Destiny may make him a hero.

As a thief, Malden is unparalleled in the Free City of Ness, and happy there. But by saving the life of the knight Croy, Malden has bound himself to an ancient, noble brotherhood . . . and he now possesses one of only seven Ancient Blades capable of destroying demons.

Malden fears accompanying Croy and the barbarian MÖrget on their quest to dispatch a foul creature of nightmare . . . nor does he want to disturb the vengeful dead. But with an assassin on his heels, the young cutpurse is left with no choice. And there is the comely sorceress, Cythera, to consider—promised to Croy but in love with Malden—not to mention

the fabulous treasure rumored to be hidden in the depths of the demon's lair . . .

Goodreads Synopsis:
When allies become enemies, to whom can a clever thief turn?

Armed with one of seven Ancient Blades, Malden was chosen by Fate to act as savior . . . and failed dismally. And now there is no stopping the barbarian hordes from invading and pillaging the kingdom of Skrae. Suddenly friends and former supporters alike covet the young hero's magic while seeking his destruction—from the treacherous King and leaders of the City of Ness to the rogue knight Croy, who owes Malden his life.

It will take more than Malden's makeshift army of harlots and cutpurses to preserve a realm. Luckily the sorceress Cythera fights at his side, along with the ingenious, irascible dwarf Slag. And the wily thief still has a desperate and daring plan or two up his larcenous sleeve . . .

I'm hoping for a big week and to get back on track with blogging and visiting with holidays over.

How did you fare last week and your plans for the week to come? Wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Tales from the Archives - Christmas Special

2012-01-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

Tales from the Archives - Christmas Special

By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by: Tee Morris

Format: Podcast, 20:26 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk

Series: A Christmas Special in Tales of the Archives podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation: Yes. Nice way to meet new characters in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. This one is of was a fun listen with a twist to the Christmas classic.
Synopsis:
In the Spirit of Christmas

It's Christmas Eve, and Wellington and Eliza investigate an incredible haunting in the heart of London. What looks to be a job well done in the end quickly becomes a lump of coal in their stockings when their client takes some offense...

My Thoughts and Summary:
We are with Eliza and Wellington as they are looking to capture the ghost -- of Mr. Scrooge's visitors. Yes, Scrooge! Eliza agrees to take the job, insisting her partner to come with her, for a field job. The two agents capture the three ghosts haunting Scrooge, but we learn more of Eliza as well.

I loved this little twist to A Christmas Carol, with steampunk and a softer side of Eliza and a new view into Wellington too! I loved Wellington in the end here, you have to listen to see what he does that makes me smile in the end. The character of Scrooge was kept true, and made me chuckle while listening.

We got to see Eliza with a softer side. Do remember she is away from her home of New Zealand in a land with no real friends, except for Wellington. And it's Christmas Eve.

Just loved this fun listen. As always amazing sounds and vocals, but the writing of the short fun. Friends together for Christmas, and the blend of Steampunk to a classic Christmas Carol making me laugh and enjoy the characters more.

Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives is now found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

New Years Resolutions: Bookish Style 2012

2011-12-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

2012 is so close!

I did this last year, and thought I'd do again this year...

Bookish New Years Resolutions

What's on my list?

1.) Re-write and Edit that monstrosity I wrote in November during Nanowrimo.

2.) Write more. I've been doing Flash Fiction Fridays, I want to keep going with these, and I want to do Nanowrimo again. I got ideas bouncing around so I want to explore them. I'm thinking about taking the 10 months prior to sketch out ideas to write the next story for Nanowrimo 2012.

3.) Read more... this is a tough one as I'm a slow reader, but I want to try to bump my reading speed some. I read 68 books here in 2011. I want to hit 70 in 2012.

4.) Visit Barnes & Nobles forums more. They are the ones who got me started into the Internet world, and I miss my friends there. I want to get back there and chat with them again. You can join me, and others, also...any genre you want they have!

5.) Try to get back to some series I've started and loved, but still have the next book (or two) sitting here.
6.) I need to pace myself and slow back on review books I'm accepting. This is a hard one for me, as many of you know I like reading the new authors and books but I got myself behind in 2011, so I'm slowing down this year on review books. Unless I find someone to review with me, here at My World...that's always a thought. :) I'm keeping with the authors I've already done in the past, as I have to follow through with their amazing series, but going to take it easy on the new books coming in. For me and the authors too. I'm trying to come up with a review policy page that will explain this a little better.

I'm a little less on the resolution end, as I do have plans for the new year and these ones are time consuming.

What about you? Any New Years Resolutions?
Link up your New Years post here and we'll follow up at the end of 2012 again!

Blog Book Chat (22) Schedule

2011-12-30T17:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to many friends I started this series, and Robyn did too. We both enjoyed the first book, Magic Bites, and discovered we found a new series to chat on. The next book we will be chatting on for the New Year of 2012 is...

Magic Burns
By: Ilona Andrews
As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug of war between two gods hoping for rebirth, and if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive.

Schedule:
We are going to read this one in 2 stops, half way & the end.
Stop 1 ~ January 12, 2012 ~ End of Chapter 13, page133
Stop 2 ~ January 19, 2012 ~ End of Book

New Years Resolution Closeout for 2011

2011-12-30T15:40:00.002-05:00

So we are coming to the close of 2011. Do you remember that post about a year ago, you know the one with us making Bookish Resolutions? How did you do with those?

I had 5 resolutions on my list. Did I meet them all? Lets see...

1. I have an idea for a new meme. I just need to iron out the details some and see if it will fly or dive. Never know until you try it out, right? I did start a new meme, or 2! Throwback Thursday and Who? What? Where? So I did better than I thought! :D
  2. To try to read more books than this year. Thus far this year I've read 55 books and hope to get two more in. So, I would like to try to read faster next year. I did! As according to Goodreads I read 67 books in 2011. Now I know I cheated a little with the shorter reads, but hey they are books too!
  3. Try to do more interviews with authors. I like doing them and getting to know more authors, new and old. I did start doing my guest posts and author interviews this year. I've tried to be bolder in asking, and they said yes! :D If I could read a little faster this year, I'd really like to get more authors around. See the thing is I like to have authors of books I've read and enjoyed to share more with you. We will see. :)
  4.  Volunteer and/or offer to do giveaways more often. They are so fun to host! I started to get more into giveaways before November with Nanowrimo, and have one going until the Jan. 1, 2012. They are always fun to do and share books I've loved!
  5. I want to write more this year now that things should be settling down, and dedicate one month this year to writing instead of reading. That way more time can go to writing. I DID IT! Yes, you see my winner button there on the side bar, so I accomplished this one. This was the one that had me very worried, but I got through!

I got through better than expected when I made these last year! I'm thrilled! I was a little nervous at making this list if I would be able to pull through, and I did! Yeah!

How about you? How did you do with the New Years Resolutions in 2011? I know things jump tracks on you when you aren't looking, so it's okay if that happened.

Share in the comments how you did. Or Link your Resolved Resolutions post here:

And keep an eye out for the next New Years Resolutions post for 2012!

Book Review: Cursed

2011-12-29T09:31:00.002-05:00

Cursed

By: S.A. Archer

Format: Ebook, 10,000 words

Publisher: Ravynheart Publishing

Publish Date: October 2011

Series: 1st in Touched series; affiliated with Champion of the Sidhe series and Rise of the Unseelie series.

Book Synopsis:
As a private investigator specializing in paranormal problems, London Eyer thought she could handle working for the Sidhe. They couldn’t be any worse than vampires or werewolves or wizards, could they? Oh, how wrong she was. One ‘Touch’ of Sidhe magic and she was cursed. Her only chance to survive is to serve the creep that cursed her against the vicious Changelings out for his blood.
#
Touched is one of the interlacing story lines, that makes up The Sidhe saga. Each thread can be read alone, but if you read them together in the suggested order, you will get the full experience.

First Sentence:
Hanging out with a vampire while she feeds on someone is kinda like being in the room while your best friend makes out.

My Thoughts & Summary:
London is called to a meeting with vampire associate and friend Selena, to meet a new client - Rico. London's new client is... special and curses her with a touch to working for him, a sidhe. Now she needs to find some specific information for him while jonsing for his next touch, but who knows what more will be needed or happen in the future.

This short read starts out with a dark sexual, sensual feel to it. And even has a dark feel through it. After reading the other two short stories I liked the history supplied through London's contacts and the darkness here. This story introduces a few other elements to the other short stories, a history and the side of the fey's enemies. We learn much more of the Wizards and their brief history with the fey. We see the land is divided by the fey and wizards, Ireland and England.

I'm curious to see how these three storylines touch each other through the future writings. They each add elements to the other series. All do have a feel of the beginnings of a book for each character, but do have an arc to the story and a close. Just a close that lets you want to know more.

I read this at my own leisure and enjoyment.

Short Story to Come!

2011-12-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Nicole Peeler, author of the Jane True series (which I have love and need to get back to reading) has a short story to come out in January 2012! It's set in Jane True's world.

I saw this in an email from FictFact telling me of books to come. Then I went and found it on Goodreads as well! Yes! It's on my list to get.

According to Goodreads this will be available January 17, 2012!

Goodreads Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? A story set in Nicole Peeler's Jane True series.

Sounds interesting! I'll be getting this one. What about you?

Book Release: Ocean's Touch

2011-12-28T15:49:00.000-05:00

From what I've seen this book is rather smexy, RATHER smexy. I don't normally read books this smexy, but it sounds delicious, AND I know I have several followers who do read loads of smexy. So I thought I'd share it, as I've heard this author knows what she's doing with writing.

Goodness! That man on the cover is lovely. I love this cover.

Released in Ebook on December 27, 2011
(so if you like the sounds of it, go get it)

Ocean's Touch
By: Denise Townsend

Goodreads Synopsis:

A lonely widow and a handsome artist have a chance for happiness…with the help of a sexy selkie, that is.

After the death of Meredith’s husband many years before, she allowed his legacy to take over her life. A shell of a woman, she finds little joy in her day-to-day tasks. Drawn to her pain, the empathic selkie Dylan knows she’s ready to live and love again, and he knows that he’s just the man for the job.

As Dylan draws Meredith out of her shell, he realizes that to truly free her, he needs to help her accept her budding love for Alexander, an artist who challenges Meredith on every level: intellectually, emotionally and sexually. To achieve a true happy ending, Dylan must help his chosen humans break down their emotional barriers in order to grab the happiness they so deserve.

Warning: This book features a lonely widow, a hot artist waiting in the wings, and the sexy selkie who brings them together…in every possible way.

Would you like a taste? You can read an excerpt on Denise Townsend's site.

After reading that excerpt I've very very tempted to go get this one myself. :) (I just might have to try it out.) Hope you enjoy!

Monday's Beginnings (122) Vlog Style (9)

2011-12-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Monday.... er Tuesday! Sorry, I'm behind a day with the holiday and a weekend full of running.

Reviews Posted:
Guilty of slacking. Send me to prison. Please! I need time to read, I could use the peace and quite! *begging*

Current Read:
I'm such a slacker! I'm still reading the same book. I haven't picked it up at all this past week with my Elfin' duties and cleaning to have family over. Insane! I do want to finish this one this week and start a new book. I'm hoping with holidays past things will start to iron out and I can get going with the books here, again.
Bad-Ass Faeries Just Plain Bad - anthology

Finished Last Week:
Ha ha ahahhhaa... Yeah right, with Christmas!?! LOL!

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday, with the holiday in mind. I wasn't going to do one, but thought of something on the drive home from work Thursday so whipped it up very quickly.

Special Posts:
End of Year Giveaway, 2 Winners, 2 books. Winners pick from a selected few I loved this past year.
Cover Release for new series by Philippa Ballantine.
YA Reading Challenge
A-Z Reading Challenge
Debut Author Reading Challenge, hosted by The Qwillery

My WANT List...I've added 4 books. But hey, that's great for someone who didn't do any blog visiting or book gandering with the holiday. :)

Books Received:

First and Foremost! I LOVE my husband! :D He got me a Nook Tablet!! I was shocked as I was asking for the Color, lower in price, but by accident got the Tablet. Thank you to that worker for handing him the wrong package. ;)

For Review:

Book Synopsis:
Percepliquis is the final installment of the epic fantasy, The Riyria Revelations. In this saga that began with The Crown Conspiracy, two thieves caught in the wrong place at the right time were launched on a series of ever escalating adventures that have all lead to this moment. Three thousand years have passed and the time for Novron's heir to act has arrived.

Purchased:
Who can get an Ereader and not get any books? I went through and found a few free books on Barnes & Nobles site Christmas day...

Goodreads Synopsis:
They've been coming here for thousands of years, using Earth as a sanctuary to escape threats from their own kind. Mankind knows them as angels, and one of them left a child upon her death to be raised as a human.

Raea is now a high school senior, and her life as a human is about to end. The crystal shard she bears is not a pretty pendant; it's a collective of powerful entities who chose her as their Keeper, a protector of one of the four shards that power a machine capable of destroying whole worlds. Those who desire the Starfire's power have sent an agent to find her, but she's too busy evading a nosy reporter ready to exploit her secret and dating a hot new foreign student to notice. Nevermind learning what she really is.

Only one person on Earth can help her, the last person she ever expected. But he's not from Earth. Life as a human would be so much easier.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The legend, they say, is whispered within the winds along the magnificent Preda Mountain Range, the words and deeds never to be forgotten of the Time of the Nuxvenom, a time when the Sordarins crushed the impending threat, the dreaded Asmeodai, and once more Scarladin was safe. The mighty Sordarins, rulers of the sky! No, the Sordarins have slept well over the years secure in their knowledge the Great One watches over them, knowing the legends holds a mighty warrior will emerge if threatened again, born with a destiny only to defend their world. But subtle changes have emerged. Little by little fear beings to resurface that their world, their very existence is once again threaten. They look to the skies anxiously awaiting their warrior; questioning perchance if the Great One has forgotten them. I know this how? For I am the one born to defend their world. I, Kela Calledwdele, was born a Euchoun. I am their warrior.

So starts this epic fantasy...Whispers of a Legend saga. Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny fate has dictated to her.

Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. Half Witheleghean, a passive peaceful race where magic runs freely and the other half, Sordarin, a valiant warrior race of hawkmen who rule the sky, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the dangers that await her. Her instincts are to protect and in this she does, but in so doing it leads her into a world where she knows not whom to trust. In time her power matures and grows stronger when she bonds with a Sordarin warrior, Cono. She learns well why she holds the power. An evil as no other before, Asmeodai, has emerged but all is not what it seems as a dark cloak encompasses her family. Betrayal, distrust, treachery leaves Kela alone. She is torn by her desire for Cono and the purpose, the path, she has been given to follow. And when another emerges within her world, one who seemly wants only to help her along her path, she is pulled further away from her Sordarin.

Shadows of the Past, Book One of the Whispers of a Legend is the first in nine installments of the saga. It is a journey of a young woman’s battle to embrace her destiny. Whispers of a Legend follows Kela along this conflicting path, where as a young woman unsure of her ability and her confidence in facing the challenges before her to where she emerges as a strong leader who learns to lean upon her own strength, to stand not behind, but side by side with her warrior.

Novellas:

Goodreads Synopsis:
Available as FREE download from Ilona Andrews Website for 2 weeks from Christmas Day, this novella takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book, right after MAGIC SLAYS, and the two stories intersect.

A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

Read at your own risk.

MAGIC GIFTS will appear as a bonus in the back of GUNMETAL MAGIC, Andrea’s book.

Goodreads Synopsis:
This isn't a short story or a novella. This is a collection of scenes written by Gordon Andrews as a companion to our Kate Daniels series of books. These scenes illustrate the point of view of Curran, the Beast Lord of Atlanta and are provided in gratitude to our readers for all of their support. This collection isn't meant to stand on its own as an independent work of fiction.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The second volume of Curran POV takes place after the events of MAGIC BLEEDS and before MAGIC SLAYS.

Infuriated by Kate's treatment at the hands of the Pack, the Beast Lord demands an explanation. When words fail, claws and fangs must do the talking.

This is a very short story, 6,000 words.

As always, you do not have to purchase this story. It is available free for the download at our website at the following link: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/books/ebooks/curran-vol-ii-fathers-and-sons/

If you are new to Kate Daniels series, this story probably won't make sense as it is written for the fans of the series to fill in the gaps between the existing books.

Then I went shopping with my Christmas money at Barnes&Nobes as well...

Goodreads Synopsis:
When the bond Maxine Kiss shares with the demons tattooed on her skin is deliberately severed, the demon hunter is left vulnerable and unprotected. For the first time in ten thousand years, the demons have a taste of freedom. And as the little demons grow more violent and unpredictable, Maxine starts to fear they will lose their minds without her. Reuniting won't be easy, since a greater temptation waits for these hellions: a chance to return to their lives as Reaper Kings, and unleash hell on Earth.

Goodreads Synopsis:
JaynÉ Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers: something else is living inside her body. She's possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher and the circle of friends he left behind, hoping to cleanse JaynÉ before the parasite in her becomes too powerful.

Ex’s history and a new enemy combine to leave JaynÉ alone and on the run. Her friends, thinking that the rider with her has taken the reins, try to hunt her down, unaware of the danger they’re putting her in. JaynÉ must defeat the weight of the past and the murderous intent of another rider, and her only allies are a rogue vampire she once helped free and the nameless thing hiding inside her skin.

Goodreads Synopsis:
All Genny wants is to live the quiet life and to do her job at Spellcrackers.com but there's her tangled personal life to sort out first. She's being haunted by ghosts who want her help. Her witch neighbours want her evicted. Genny's sort-of-Ex - and now her new boss - can't decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure now he knows all her darkest secrets. And then there's the queue of vampires all wanting her to paint the town red - how long will it be before they stop taking 'no' for an answer and Genny's life becomes even more complicated? But when one of her human friends is murdered by sidhe magic, Genny is determined to find the killer. Her efforts to find the real murderer lead her to some of the most dangerous and seductive fae - but her search is hindered by the vampires, who have their own political agenda. Then when all the evidence points to Genny - she's the only sidhe fae in London - and she's named the main suspect; it's not long before she's on the run - and not just from the police - but from some of London's most powerful supernaturals.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.

Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.

One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn, who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.

And as part of the review package I got a wonderful T-Shirt (I love it as it has all the symbols of each original book) and a key chain of the new books by Orbit!

What does your week look like? A fair reading week? Heres to a great week in words and pages.
Hope you have a wonderful week! And happy New Year if I don't get to talk to you before then.