Favorite Fictional Character (25)

Meme sponsored and hosted by the creative mind of Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

As I mentioned on my last FFC there are some books that have more than one Favorite Fictional Character for me.  And I want to keep them separate for each character to be spotlighted.

Well, I have realized I like showcasing strong characters I see something of what I would like to have in me.  A strength to fight back and be strong for others.  And again I am going down that road...

The last FFC was of Terelle from The Last Stormlord, here.  Terelle was a favorite character for her ability and strength she possessed.  The next character is also from The Last Stormlord, although not a major major character - yet (I have a feeling she will make a lot more appearances in the future books).

Not only is this character another strong women, but I seemed to be able to relate to her on many levels - almost like she was me.  I remember feeling some of the feelings she had, and even still do.  Ryka is not the perfect beauty for all.  But she is very human and relatable to me.  Ryka has bad eyes and squints to see, even when she was young she would trip as she walked.  She works with ink, translating documents.  And she was always tall with long legs.  The other kids when she was younger use to taunt her with names and such.  I had many of these same troubles growing up.  Tall with long legs not yet appreciated, and the eye sight well... it still isn't any better but thank goodness for contacts. :)  And she is what the other girls always called plain.  I am the same way, minimal makeup for me.

Ryka is a strong character as well.  She is one of those female characters that will go into the fight and not be asked to help.  And on the flip side of the coin you can't tell her not to help, she will do as she wants.  She knows what she wants and what she can do.

But the funny thing is the one man she loves, who doesn't know so, is who she has to marry - and he loves her as well, but she doesn't know it.  They both have water abilities and it is hoped that they will produce a stormlord.  The great part about this relationship is Kaneth always gets tongue tied and sticks his foot in his mouth around Ryka.  She is always able to put him in his place, but what he wants to say comes out sooo wrong.  They seem to be complete opposites but they really are a great pair in this book.

Ryka and Kaneth start to have important positions in the book, and I am really looking forward to them coming back in the next... I hope.

Teaser Tuesday (33)

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

List the book and author so other participants can get their hand on it if they choose to read it as well.

This Week:

"I told you, I don't know. Maybe they wanted to see what a Materazzi woman is like, you know..." He paused, awkward for once. "Inside. I don't know. But it doesn't make sense that they want her for money. That isn't their way."

The Left Hand of God

By Paul Hoffman

pg 200

Monday's Beginnings (44)

Here we are again... another Monday.

How are you faring in reading at the beginning of this week?  Are you starting a new book or finishing one up?

I did get reading done today, just not as much as I was hoping too.  But that seems to be the going rate anymore.  I always want to get so much more reading time in and life is always happening. :)  As for the books I've been working on...  I finished Tracking the Tempest By Nicole Peeler and the review is up for you to read, click here.  I am working on The Left Hand of God By Paul Hoffman at the moment, and hoping to finish it up by Wednesday then I get to start into an ARC I received this past week... that one is going to show up in my Received books later in the post here.  I am really looking forward to it... Okay, the name is Waking the Witch By Kelley Armstrong.

Now, back to Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler.  I want to remind you all I will have an interview to post on July 1st!  July 1st is the official release date for Tracking the Tempest.  AND... Nicole has agreed to give one luck commenter on that interview (choosen with random.org) a copy of Tracking the Tempest!  Cool or what!?!  Make sure you stop back by!  Remember JULY 1st!

Okay back to my books.  I hate to admit it, but I gave up on Wolf Hall.  I just couldn't do it.  Trying to widen my horizons, but this one didn't work.  Oh well, there are gazillions of other books to read.

Now, as for my Wishlist... I had to limit the books I added this week to be only 6.  I am only adding books I really truly want to read.  And well, you all are making it hard on me as I really want a LOT of books.  So thank you all!  I will get to them eventually. :)

Books Received This Week:

As I did not purchase or receive any won books this week.  I did receive...
Books For Review:

I have been wanting to get to Kelley Armstrong's books and this was a great opportunity to dive right in.  This is book 11 in the Otherworld Series.  And it is due out July 27, 2010.

Synopsis from publisher:

Golden girl of the supernatural world, orphaned daughter of a dark witch and a conniving sorcerer, Savannah Levine has nothing to lose and everything to prove on her first solo case as a paranormal investigator.

She’s got a wide arsenal of spells at her fingertips, many that only she knows.

She’s got a tough-as-nails attitude and an even sharper wit.

She’s got one problem though . . . no one thinks she can handle this on her own.

Savannah has the power . . . and she’s not afraid to use it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At twenty-one, Savannah Levine—orphaned daughter of a notorious dark witch and an equally notorious cutthroat sorcerer—considers herself a full-fledged member of the supernatural race that rules the Otherworld. The once rebellious teen has grown into a six-foot-tall, motorcycle-riding jaw-dropper with a full arsenal of spells that she’s not afraid to use when she gets caught in a bind. There’s only one small problem—her adoptive parents, Paige and Lucas, don’t always trust her. Of course, she’s given them plenty of reasons . . . but those are in the past. People can change, right?


When Paige and Lucas take off on a romantic vacation alone, leaving her in charge of their detective agency, Savannah is presented with a case that she can’t turn down, and one she can finally call her own. Recruited by another supernatural detective, she travels to Columbus, Washington, a small, almost shell of a town. Two troubled young women have been found in an abandoned warehouse, murdered. Now a third woman is dead, and darker forces seem to be at play.

Savannah feels certain she can handle the case, but with supernatural activity appearing at every turn, things quickly become more serious—and far more dangerous—than she realizes. Caught up in a web of lust, false identities, and lies, Savannah must summon strength from her depths, and fight like she’s never fought before.

Tyger Tyger is an ebook I requested over at NetGalley.  (Did you read my post from earlier today on NetGalley? If not check it out, here. I would visit there if I where you.  GREAT site!)  This one may take me a little longer to get through only because I will be reading it from my laptop, but I am looking forward to it.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
 
Another cool week and a great one on the horizon.
 
So, how are you faring this week so far?  Does it look like a great reading week this week? 
 
Here's to hoping you have a great week in words and pages.

A New ARC/Galley website... NetGalley

I was contacted by a nice author, Kersten Hamilton who's book Tyger Tyger will be out in November 2010, the other day with a link to a new ARC/Galley website.  (Thank you Kersten for sharing this with us!)  This site has a great setup as to looking through future releases and then requesting a copy of the Galley to read and review.  The website is NetGalley.

Some of the Galleys are eReader and some are ARC books.  All you have to do is register and log in, which is very easy.  Set up an account for yourself so the authors and publishers can see what you like to read.  Then you can start shopping around the many books they have listed.

Once you find a book you like you can click on the Learn More button to see the format of the book and a synopsis of the book.  If you would like to request a copy or ecopy of the book to read and review just click the Request button.  Once the author/publisher receives your request and has a copy available you will receive an email notice letting you know you had a request for the book titled and you are able to access it now.

All that is requested is you do a review to help get the name of the book and author out and about for many others to learn about.  It is a shame to have wonderful books missed by readers who would love it because it was not shared with us. ;)

There are Young Adult and Adult reads here on the site.

There are all sorts of genre to choose from as well:
    Arts & Photography          Biographies & Memoirs
    Business & Investing         Children's
    Christian                          Comics & Graphic
    Computers & Internet       Cooking, Food & Wine
    Crafts & Hobbies             Entertainment
    Erotica                            Gay & Lesbian
    Health, Mind & Body        History
    Home & Garden              Literature & Fiction
    Mystery & Thrillers          Nonfiction
    Outdoors & Nature          Parenting & Families
    Politics                            Professional & Technical
    Reference                       Religion & Spirituality
    Romance                        Self-Help
    Science                           Science Fiction & Fantasy
    Sports                            Textbooks
    Teens & YA                    Travel

There has to be something here you would read and enjoy.

I am sharing this information and site with you in hopes that we can all help share wonderful books that are available for us to read which we may miss otherwise.  I hope you will take a moment to check out the site and enjoy what they have to offer for the authors there.  Help spread the word of amazing books just waiting to be read.

Book Review: Tracking the Tempest

Tracking the Tempest

By:  Nicole Peeler

Publisher:  Orbit Books

Publish Date:  July 1, 2010

Genre:  Fantasy

Format:  Paperback, 348pgs

Series:  2nd book in Jane True series.  (1st book Tempest Rising - review here)

Recommendation:  YES!!! Wonderful fast paced fun ride with terrific action and love. And clever humor.

Book Synopsis:
Jane True has almost come to terms with her supernatural heritage...almost.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and Ryu - Jane's bloodsucking boyfriend - can't let a major holiday go by without getting all gratuitous.  An overwhelming dose of boyfriend interference and a last-minute ticket to Boston later, and Jane's life is thrown off course.

Ryu's well-intentioned plans create mayhem, and Jane winds up embroiled in an investigation involving a spree of gruesome killings.  All the evidence points toward another Halfling, much to Jane's surprise...

First Sentence:
This time was for real.

My Review and Summary:
Jane has been training with Nell, Rockabill's Gnome, for the four months between Tempest Rising's end and now.  She's learning; shields, creating glamours, and mage balls of light.  Jane is the happiest she has been in a long, long time; with monthly rendezvous with Ryu, training, swimming, and taking care of her father, along with working at the Bookstore with her friends.  Jane is starting to settle into her super live in the paranormal world.  Although, she still thinks on the naga's murders from Tempest Rising - knowing deep down there had to be more behind the murders with Jarl than lead to believe.  Ryu sent Jane a romantic invitation to come to his home in Boston for a lavish Valentines Day with him.  While on their romantic evening out they are attacked by a man named Conleth, as Ryu believes.  The secret Jane's been keeping from Ryu comes out in the open...

I was so glad to be back in Rockabill with Jane True and all the sow named places. I also really enjoyed how Nicole took Jane out of her comfort zone and introduced us to so many new characters and ideas.

We get to meet a whole new set of characters, Ryu's deputies and a few Alfar crew members.  I really loved meeting Ryu's crew of deputies.  Their abilities where all unique.  I loved Julian and how he related with Jane.  I enjoyed Daoud and Caleb and Jane's reaction to both of them.  Then we also have Conleth, who has a long not so nice history to bring him to the point of dangerous he is.  And it is all described to us very well, through the investigation Ryu and Jane undertake.

Jane is a character I really enjoyed in Tempest Rising, but here in Tracking the Tempest she has grown a great deal for me.  She's more open and comfortable with herself.  Jane is learning how to protect herself in this new world she is learning about and doing rather well at it.  Even when Jane is taken out of her element she still shines.  As you read you know Jane is 'human' as she is afraid, and still has the tendency to want to flee rather than fight.  And in some of her tight spots, I would too.

The humor... Nicole is great at adding the one liners and quick clever, sarcastic, and/or sexy comments for the characters.  I think I had a smile on my face through a majority of the book at all the quick jokes and answers or comments Jane and the other characters made.  I absolutely loved the scene of Jane slipping on ice as she gets out of the car.  I laughed out loud while I read it. 

And there is action to.  This book doesn't sit still at all.  There is always something happening to keep you flipping the pages.  The book is a fantastic fast paced fun ride with terrific action and love.


Don't forget to stop back by July 1, 2010 for an interview with Nicole Peeler AND a Giveaway!

I purchased this book on my own for reading and review.

This book qualifies for the Reading Challenge I am doing - Speculated Fiction Challenge, hosted by Book Chick City.

Guilty Pleasure... buying books

Sometimes I feel guilty of my pleasures... the one where I can't stop myself from buying all the wonderful books coming out or already out.

My poor book shelf is going to explode at the edges soon. (if you saw my post for CSN Furniture you saw it, here)  :) And I love it.  But, I keep buying all these books.  My TBR pile is overflowing.  And I love it.

At times I feel guilty I'm not able to read all these books fast enough.  I wish I was a speed reader, but then I don't think I would savor and enjoy the books as much if I was.

I do have a few books sent to me for reviews by authors, publishers, or PR representatives.  I DO make it a point to get to these first; before their release dates or review for the time of release.  I also have books for discussions I am involved in at different sites.  Which I work really hard to keep up with those in the months they are in.

But I still feel guilty at times that I don't get to the books I purchase fast enough.  I love sharing my thoughts on the books and they all sound SO AMAZING.  I start getting like an anxiety attack, because I WANT to read these amazing books.  That is my guilty pleasure.  I love to buy these amazing books and I want to read them in the worst way.  *sigh* They will all get read in due time.  That will happen, for sure.

So, since you now know my guilty pleasure... Do you feel the same way?

And curious, but how big is your TBR pile?  You don't have to tell if you don't want to.  It would make me feel better though. ;)  Mine is about 46 books at the moment.

Looking Forward to... (8)

So many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out. For books yet to be released I am looking to get you can also look at the list of Desired Reads on the Right Sidebar - just scroll down. Of course there are tons other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have started or for on 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.)

As Lie the Dead

By Kelly Meding

Due out July 27, 2010

 
This is book 2 of the Dreg City series I am looking forward to, after reading the first in the series.  The First book was Three Days to Dead - if you would like to read my review click here.  I have to say, this is another amazing cover!
 

Here is the synopsis of As Lie the Dead from Goodreads:
Evangeline Stone, a rogue bounty hunter, never asked for a world divided between darkness and light…


…or the power to die and live again in someone else's borrowed body. After a murder plot meant to take her out leaves an entire race of shapeshifters nearly extinct, Evy is gnawed by guilt. So when one of the few survivors of the slaughter enlists her aid, she feels duty-bound to help—even though protecting a frail, pregnant shifter is the last thing Evy needs, especially with the world going to hell around her.

Amid weres, Halfies, gremlins, vamps—and increasingly outgunned humans—a war for supremacy is brewing. With shifters demanding justice, her superiors desperate to control her, and an assassin on her trail, Evy discovers a horrifying conspiracy. And she may be the only person in the world who can stop it—unless, of course, her own side gets her first.

Book Blogger Hop & Follow Friday - June 25, 2010

Crazy-For-Books

Parajunkee's View

Stop by and join in on the fun!  Click on the names of the hosts above to jump over to their blogs to sign up.

I really enjoy the fun of this and meeting new bloggers.  I try to stop by and comment on the blogs.  :)

I enjoy reading Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction... just about anything in these areas, and I will read YA books in these areas as well (I just have been a little short on reading YA lately). I hope you take a look around and enjoy the reviews and meme's I do: Monday's Beginnings, Teaser Tuesday, Favorite Fictional Character, Balderdash, and Looking Forward Too...

Please leave a coment on any posts. I love getting comments and I do respond to them all.

Thank you for stopping by!

Also, just to let you know I will be doing an interview with Nicole Peeler, author of Tempest Rising and soon to be released Tracking the Tempest, on July 1st. Stop back by to check it out.  And I will be posting a review of Tracking the Tempest soon.  Lots of fun.

Balderdash (34)

is a weekly meme hosted by Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

This is very easy to do!

If you comment on blogs you can do this too.

Write down all the word verifictions you get while posting comments on other peoples blogs.

You then play Balderdash with them.

In case you don't know how to play:

You take the made up word and come up with an authentic sounding definition for it.

Do this for a week and then post your best or favorite ones every Thursday.

Here are mine for this week:

waedams - a bird that resides by damns in nests inthe trees or even on the top of the stick and mud baricades for just a short time in the summer months when the rains are not around, they sun bath then drink and eat from the damn area.  The birds are of a dull color in shades of brown to blend in with the natural creation of the damn and their long legs.

phies - the new cool word to use around the world, a slang term for fly, meaning cool, neat, and really amazing.

shelit - a short term for books about female; werewolves, vampires, or any type of supernatural being.

Alespia - Name of a world full of wonder with dragons as a myth told to children, where the forests are wonderous in adventures and people work farms or live in cities of large stone walls.  But don't be fooled as there are great dangers wondering the nights and shadows of the days, even in the day light there is lights that aren't always trusted.  And even a strange rule in power in which the people are just learning is dangerous in itself.

CSN Review to come...

I have received an opportunity to review funiture for CSN Stores.  They have over 200 websites to visit and ship to the US and Canada.

***There are links through out the post to go check out the item I have here and the site itself.

So look at my poor little book shelf.  I have been keeping many of my new books in the packages they came in so they don't get ruined.

The poor shelves have two layers of book, one in front of the other, and stacked on top too.  The books laying down are the ones to read and standing up are read already.  So, it looks as I am in desperately in need of a book shelf.

How about one of these lovely shelves to replace my poor little one, or at least releave it some?  It is a realistic price as well.  And cherry wood too!  I love cherry wood.  I could really go for one and the doors on the bottom, very nice!






OR

I have this lovely little corner I have commandeered lately on our couch, as my station for working on the laptop and reading.  But the small problem here is in the evenings and particularly when the sun goes down, it is dark.



So, I was thinking of one of the lovely floor lamps to put there in the corner with me...

Maybe one of these lamps would be perfect in that corner.  I love the lamp off the side, to shine right down where I sit to illuminate my book just right.  And another reasonably priced item.  There is such a lovely selection for lighting, stop over and check it out.



So what do you think? Seem like good items?  Do you see another items on the site that may fit me?  I am up for any and all suggestions. :)

Teaser Tuesday (32)

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

List the book and author so other participants can get their hand on it if they choose to read it as well.

This Week:

I shivered, knowing that they were talking about Graeme's unhealthy interest in my breakability.  Uncomfortable, I muscled through the moment with my usual delicacy.

Tracking the Tempest

By Nicole Peeler

pg 177

Book Review: Shadow's Son

Shadow's Son

By:  Jon Sprunk

Publisher:  Pyr

Publish Date:  June 2010

Genre:  Fantasy

Format:  Paperback, 278 pgs 6"x9"

Series:  1st book in Shadow Saga Novel

Recommendation:  Yes, A fantasy with dark magic and assassins, who is on who's side?

Book Synopsis:
In the holy city of Othir, trechery and corruption lurk at the end of every street, just the place for a freelance assassin with no loyalties and few scruples.  Caim makes his living on the edge of a blade, but when a routine job goes south, he is thrust into the middle of an insidious plot.  Pitted against crooked lawmen, rival killers, and sorcery from the Other Side, his only allies are Josephine, the socialite daughter of his last target, and Kit, a guardian spirit no one else can see.  In this fight for his life, Caim only trusts his knives and his instincts, but they won't be enough when his quest for justice lands him from Othir's hazardous back alleys to its shining corridors of power.  To unmask a conspiracy at the heart of the empire, he must claim his birthright as the Shadow's Son...

First Sentence:
A killer stalked in the shadows.

My Review and Summary:
Caim is an assassin.  Kit is his beautiful guardian, no one else can hear or see.  Kit has been with Caim for most of his life.  She has helped him and warned him of numerous dangers - before they happen.  For Caim fear is the key to the Shadows, and he can hide in the Shadows, unlike any other.

Against Caim's better judgement, he takes a job as a favor to his one friend in Othir, Mathis.  The job was started by Ral, another assassin, who quit the job for another.  This job goes arry in so many different angles.  Caim finds himself protecting his targets daughter, Josey - a gorgeous young lady.

Yes, this is a read of and with assassins.  But even though there are assassins in the story, I enjoyed the additions to the story; dark magic, the empire and government, and the characters.  It is not just about killing the bad guys, but about the story that is built here and what happens with the creations of the shadows.

The first chapter starts off with a bang; the action and mystery of who Kit is along with what Caim can do with the shadows.  After chapter one the action slows just a little as you meet the main players of the story.  You get to know them by way of flashbacks that highlight important pasts of their lives.  Ones that lead them to who they are.  This was a great way to get to know the characters along with some information for the storyline and conflicts.  Don't fret as the action does pick back up.  As I read I came up with questions, and got answers to the questions which then lead to bigger questions.  The story and questions were all mixed with conspiracy, corruption, and mistrusts.

I was amazed at how this book reads as a whole story, or a stand-alone, with so much happening in this novel to complete the story.  At a few transition spots got the feel that they where rushed, but these are small parts in a wonderful story.  There is an end to the main story here, but there seems to be an underlining which you start to learn of Caim and his family history, the Shadows.  I liked the use of Shadows as the ability Caim has. I am very curious to learn more about Caim as he learns more of who he is and what he can do.

Would you like to read the first chapter?  Click here to do so.

Jon Sprunk's official web site, click here.



This book was a purchase of my own for reading.
This book qualifies for my Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

Monday's Beginnings (43)

Here we are again... another Monday.

How are you faring in reading at the beginning of this week?  Are you starting a new book or finishing one up?

I didn't get much reading done today.  I went out for lunch, and shopped the shelves at the bookstore.  I did stop myself from purchasing on this trip, which was very difficult to do.  And a very good friend on mine had her baby today, so that is a great excuse to be short on reading.  And it looks as I'm going to be short on blogging time tonight as well since I just had to hold that newborn. :)  I will try my best to get caught up tomorrow.
I finished Shadow's Son by Jon Sprunk over the weekend and then dived right into Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler.  I will the review for Shadow's Son up soon, planning for tomorrow.  And I am doing rather well with Tracking the Tempest.  I am hoping to have it done before the end of the week.

Talking about Nicole Peeler, did you see I will be posting an interview of Nicole on July 1st!  Yeah!!!  The official release date for Tracking the Tempest, although there is spottings that it is available in some locations already.  So, keep your eyes open.  And with the interview I believe there was mention of a giveaway...

I am going to have to get into the book I am reading for #tuesbooktalk, Wolf Hall.  I seem to be dragging my feet on this one because it doesn't seem to be my normal kind of book, but I have only just begun it too.

As for my Wishlist... it is starting to grow quickly again. THIRTEEN books!  This is crazy!  And GREAT!  The authors should be glad to hear this.  And I am one who has a buying addiction.  I read one book and it seems I buy three.  I'll get to them all here eventually.

Books Received This Week:

Purchased:

I loved Jane True so much in Tempest Rising, I just had to preorder this one.  And guess what!  It came early.  I am so excited about this book, and so far... I DON'T want to put it down.

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and Ryu - Jane's bloodsucking boyfriend - can't let a major holiday go by without getting all gratuitous. An overwhelming dose of boyfriend interference and a last-minute ticket to Boston later, and Jane's life is thrown off course.


Ryu's well-intentioned plans create mayhem, and Jane winds up embroiled in an investigation involving a spree of gruesome killings. All the evidence points towards another Halfling, much to Jane's surprise...

I have been very curious about The Left Hand of God.  From what I have seen everyone is all over the board on this book.  So, I just had to give it a try.  Also, this book is on the board for the discussion forums over at Barnes n Nobles for June.  Yes, I am running a little late in getting it and getting to it.  But I will.

Goodreads Synopsis:
"Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary."



The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith.

In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else. He has long-forgotten his real name, but now they call him Thomas Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming, violent and profoundly bloody-minded. He is so used to the cruelty that he seems immune, but soon he will open the wrong door at the wrong time and witness an act so terrible that he will have to leave this place, or die.

His only hope of survival is to escape across the arid Scablands to Memphis, a city the opposite of the Sanctuary in every way: breathtakingly beautiful, infinitely Godless, and deeply corrupt.

But the Redeemers want Cale back at any price… not because of the secret he now knows but because of a much more terrifying secret he does not.

Now, The Desert Spear.  I read and loved The Warded Man and when ordering Tracking the Tempest, I wanted to spend the $25 to get free Shipping and this was first in line.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The sun is setting on humanity. The night now belongs to voracious demons that arise as the sun sets, preying upon a dwindling population forced to cower behind ancient and half-forgotten symbols of power. These wards alone can keep the demons at bay, but legends tell of a Deliverer: a general—some would say prophet—who once bound all mankind into a single force that defeated the demons. Those times, if they ever existed, are long past. The demons are back, and the return of the Deliverer is just another myth . . . or is it?


Out of the desert rides Ahmann Jardir, who has forged the warlike desert tribes of Krasia into a demon-killing army. He has proclaimed himself Shar’Dama Ka, the Deliverer, and he carries ancient weapons—a spear and a crown—that give credence to his claim. Sworn to follow the path of the first Deliverer, he has come north to bring the scattered city-states of the green lands together in a war against demonkind—whether they like it or not.

But the northerners claim their own Deliverer. His name was Arlen, but all know him now as the Warded Man: a dark, forbidding figure whose skin is tattooed with wards so powerful they make him a match for any demon. The Warded Man denies that he is the Deliverer, but his actions speak louder than words, for he teaches men and women to face their fears and stand fast against the creatures that have tormented them for centuries.

Once the Shar’Dama Ka and the Warded Man were friends, brothers in arms. Now they are fierce adversaries. Caught between them are Renna, a young woman pushed to the edge of human endurance; Leesha, a proud and beautiful healer whose skill in warding surpasses that of the Warded Man himself; and Rojer, a traveling fiddler whose uncanny music can soothe the demons—or stir them into such frenzy that they attack one another.

Yet as old allegiances are tested and fresh alliances forged, all are blissfully unaware of the appearance of a new breed of demon, more intelligent—and deadly—than any that have come before.

I have to say I love my bookmarks too.  I had found one of these bookmarks about a year ago and haven't been able to find another one since.

Well the one bookstore just got a few in, so I had to snag one.  These are magnets on a stretchy string.  In this one the metal music note comes out of the metal holder which is held there by a magnet.  The string goes in the book and the magnet is on the outside on the spine.

I love these because of carring books in my purse or bag and don't have to worry about losing my bookmark and place.


Won:

I won this lovely book from Melissa at Books and Things.  (Stop by and check out her amazing blog.) I am so excited to get into this series.  This is book #2.

Goodreads synopsis:

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

I'm Gin Blanco.

You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man . . . dead or alive.

I have to share this as well.  Not only was I really excited to win the book, but when I got it from Jennifer Estep, she had signed it!  And signed a few bookmark swags!  I think this is so cool!!

So it was a big week last week for purchases and mail for me.  Well, sometimes I go overboard, but I love it so much.  How did you do?

So, how are you faring this week so far?  Does it look like a great reading week this week?

Here's to hoping you have a great week in words and pages.

To Read or Not To Read...Sample Chapters

To read or not to read.... sample chapters that is.

There are always amazing book on the horizon and sometimes the publishers or even authors give us samples or teasers from them.  Just pieces or even a few chapters.

So, my question is... Do you read them?

I have mixed feelings on this.  Many times, YES I read them or listen to them.  I enjoy getting that quick fill of the wanted book.  Even the anticipation I get knowing a great book I want will be out soon.  And the teaser does pull me in to remind me why I love that author so much.  I love these!

But, every once in a while there is that one book.  That one book that I anticipate so badly that I don't want to read the samples given.  Sounds crazy right!?  Well, let me explain a little.  I am waiting on Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.  I REALLY want this book, as many of others do.  I really want to read the sample that Tor posted on their site.  But, I just can't do it.  I am afraid it will make me want the book to bad, yes that is how excited I am of this book.  But I want it all to flow together for me as well.  See Brandon is one of the many amazing authors out there that draws you in with his creativeness, and well... I am one of those who likes to take notes or do stickies to help keep it all straight for me.  And that is what I want to experience at one time.

So, do you enjoy reading the teaser chapters?

Review: Blood Soup

Blood Soup

By:  Kelly A. Harmon

Publisher:  An Eternal Press Publication

Publish Date:  September 2009

Genre:  Fantasy

Format:  Paperback, 79 pgs 5 1/2"x8"

Series:  Stand alone

Recommendation:  When you need a quick fantasy fix, Blood Soup is there for you.

Book Synopsis:
A tale of murder, betrayal and comeuppance.

King Theodicar of Borgund needed an heir.  When his wife, Queen Piacenza, became pregnant, he'd hoped for a boy.  His wife, along with her nurse, Salvagia, had other plans.  WIth each cast of the runes, Salvagia's trusted divination tools yielded the same message:  "A girl child must rule or the kingdom will fall to ruin."  As such, the women were convinced that the child would be a girl.

When the queen finally gives birth, the nurse and the king are equally surprised.  The king is faced with a terrible choice, and his decision will determine the fate of his kingdom.  Will he choose wisely, or will he doom Borgund to ruin?

First Sentence:
Queen Piacenza dies by slow degrees, thought Salvagia.

My Review and Summary:
Salvagia give the feel of magic to the story with her fortune telling bones mixed with blood.  When overly pregnant Queen Piacenza asks, again, to cast the bones to answer her question - What will this child need to rule wisely and justly?  The bones cast the same answer, over and over again.  Piacenza is convinced by the answer she will have a girl child, but King Theodicar wants a boy.  A boy is always the one to rule the kingdom, not girls.  A boy is born - Amalric, but at a cost...

Blood Soup was a quick read for me with only 79 pages.  The story touches on different point of views in Amalric's and Theodicar's lifes, as Amalric grows up and takes the thrown.  In these short snippets you see what kind of person Amalric is and did with the crown.  And you see how Theodicar rethinks his decisions.  Is there any way for King Theodicar to correct his wrong that set his kingdom down the path its on?

I enjoyed this quick read.  There was a dark feel to the magic of Blood Soup to me... the blood. I had a moment of getting use to the transition of Amalric suddenly being older, as I didn't know what to expect while reading when I started the book.  This is a great start for Kelly.  I am looking forward to reading novels by her in the future.


I purchased this book for reading.

This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Challenge I am participating in @ Book Chick City.

Book Blogger Hop - June 18, 2010

This is a great party hosted by Crazy-for-Books.  Stop by and join in on the fun.

I did the Book Blogger Hop about a month ago.  I was really enjoying the fun of this and meeting new bloggers. I unfortunately got a cold and got behind in a few things.  But, now after a few weeks of catching up in blogging and life... I am ready to join in the fun again. :)

I enjoy reading Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction... just about anything in these areas, and I will read YA books in these areas as well (I just have been a little short on reading YA lately).  I hope you take a look around and enjoy the reviews and meme's I do: Monday's Beginnings, Teaser Tuesday, Favorite Fictional Character, Balderdash, and Looking Forward Too...

Please leave a coment on any posts.  I love getting comments and I do respond to them all.

Thank you for stopping by!

Also, just to let you know I will be doing an interview with Nicole Peeler, author of Tempest Rising and soon to be released Tracking the Tempest, on July 1st.  Stop back by to check it out.

Looking Forward To... (7)

So many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.  For books yet to be released I am looking to get you can also look at the list of Desired Reads on the Right Sidebar - just scroll down.  Of course there are tons other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have started or for on 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.)

Unholy Magic

By Stacia Kane

Due out July 6, 2010

This is the second book in Stacia's series of Chess Putnam, the Downside Ghosts.  This series is going to be released in rather close dates. The first book, Unholy Ghosts was just released May 25th.  If you would like to read my review of it, click here. (I really enjoyed this read, devoured it in about 3 days!)  The third book will be released soon too, but that is another Looking Forward To... post.

I have to say I am loving these covers too!

Here is the synopsis of Unholy Magic from GoodReads:
ENEMIES DON’T NEED TO BE ALIVE TO BE DEADLY.
 
For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes.

Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

Balderdash (33)

is a weekly meme hosted by Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

This is very easy to do!

If you comment on blogs you can do this too.

Write down all the word verifictions you get while posting comments on other peoples blogs.

You then play Balderdash with them.

In case you don't know how to play:

You take the made up word and come up with an authentic sounding definition for it.

Do this for a week and then post your best or favorite ones every Thursday.

Here are mine for this week:

deforyn - the name of the turning point in the lives of people when technology was lost due to natural disasters, and people had to go to mechanical usages and natural resources.

airteret - the machine used in factories, where the burning of coal leaves heavy thick smoke for the employees to breathe in, which helps clean the air so their employees will be able to work to an older age.

lasuns - the man made simulated sun, used to grow green vegetables for food, in a world where the smoke from factories and machines has thickened the air to a point that the sun can not shine through.

coismet - a new fashionable hat women wear with their long dresses, it matches in color with the dress, but is cut out around the top for hair curled and pulled up, but goes around the face and neck an inch and a half to hold the hair out of your face.  It ties under the chin from the neck to hold in place.

Interview to come...

Just had to share with you all.  I have been in email contact with Nicole Peeler, the author of Tempest Rising and Tracking the Tempest.

Tracking the Tempest is being released July 1, 2010.  Just a short period away!

Well, to the point here...

 I will have an interview with Nicole Peeler to post here on July 1, 2010. 

So, make sure you keep an eye out and stop back.  I think the work giveaway was mentioned somewhere in the email too.

I will be reading Tracking the Tempest, book 2, here soon and posting my review.

Favorite Fictional Character (24)

Meme sponsored and thanks to the creative mind of Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

I have read many great books lately with great and strong characters.  Some books even have more than one FFC for me, but I will stick to one in the post and post another FFC later with the other character.

This week I am picking a character by the name of Terelle.  Terelle is one of the point of views you read from in the book Stormlord by Glenda Larke.  I'm not sure if this is her on the cover of book 2, Stormlord Rising - it could be her or one other character, at this point in the read.  Terelle lives in a world where water is limited and valued to the last drop.  People who have rights get a jar of water as scheduled, but those who own nothing and no rights have to work for money or privileges from others for water.  She is sold by her father to a snuggery.  A snuggery is a place of higher stature than the street women, but a place for men to go at the pleasure of a womens presence.  

Terelle, even as a child when the story starts, has a strong will.  She is determined to not live her life as a women of a Snuggery.  She needs to find a way to get out of the house before she blossoms, which could be any time.  Terelle has a desire to be a dancer and loves making up routines to music.  This area is one she ventures out to seek advice in.  She is goes out in search of the famous dancer who lives a few levels up from her.  Terelle manages to talk her way in to seeing the dancer who takes no visitors, according to the man servant at the door.  The dancer even starts to care for Terelle as she tells her story.  But, unfortunately the professional dancer doesn't feel Terelle will be able to make a living as a dancer, and as well she may have to do things she is not wanting to do to further her career.

Terelle blossoms into a young woman before she finds a way to leave the care of the Snuggery, since the price is high to pay off her debt of living there and helping in the kitchen - the price of water used.  So, Terelle runs away to the lower level to try to hide out.  Terelle finds a old man, or maybe he finds her... to take her on as an apprentice for his water paintings.  

In the end, Terelle realizes she has a strong power with water that she can use.  She finds a way to free herself from the hold her master has on her.  But in all she learns more of her family, more she never would have thought of, and that there is more for her to do in life which is very important.

This is only the first book of the series and I loved all the characters.  I feel Terelle is going to be a very vital piece of the puzzle in the water problems - even more than what she needs to do in regard to her family.  I think Shale and Terelle can accomplish a lot, together.


(If you would like to read my review of Stormlord by Glenda Larke, click here.)  Book 2, Stormlord Rising is due out August 1, 2010.