Winners of 3 Year Celebration Giveaways

First, thank you all for making this year another great and fun year!  Welcome all new followers.  I look forward to chatting with everyone.

Second, so sorry it took me a few days to calculate.  I'm a firm believer of announcing the winner the next day, but there were so many entries and all those extra numbers as well.  :) Thank you all!

Third...well lets get to the winners!

With the help of Random.org I have the numbers.
I calculate the number in order as a block of numbers for the amount of entries each person had.

#1 Urban Fantasy Pick:

  Mel of Mel's Random Reviews (confirmed)

#2 Young Adult Pick:

   Dinda_SI of Life is (not) beautiful with(out) books (confirmed)

#3 Fantasy Pick:

   Lissette Martinez (confirmed)

#4 First 3 books of my Favorite Series:

   Melissa of Books & Things (confirmed)

Congrats everyone!!

The winners have been emailed.  They have 48 hours from 8:30 EST Aug 8, 2012 to respond or another winner will be picked.

Giveaway #4 - 3 Yr Blog Celebration

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****

You've been through all my favorite reads/listens for the last year of blogging.  It's given you a look at what I read...well, a little bit of everything.

Now for the Big Giveaway.

Last year I gave away the first 3 books in a series I'd been loving.  I was lucky enough to have extras here to share, and it worked out wonderfully.  So this year I've decided to do it again.  But I'll purchase the books from Amazon or Book Depository to be delivered to you.

This year is another series I've been loving.  Loving Hard!!  I love the killer characters (pun intended) and the depth of the world ~~ Demons of Oblivion.  With each book the underlining plot of Demons of Oblivion becomes obvious, and leaves me to worry about the characters, so engrossed that I don't know what the author is going to put them through next.  And drawing me into their minds, that I'm lost to what's happening around me.

The first 3 books of this series could be yours!  Now we have two sets of images for this series as the ebooks have new covers. (and so you aren't surprised when you receive and see a different cover than I'm sharing)  YOU GET TO PICK if you want the Print books or in eBooks.  Either way.  One winner.

Ebooks:

Print Books:

As you may have seen, Zara Lain (the main POV in Bloodlines, and appears in both Hunter and Lineage) is back to the mic in Exhumed that just released July 10th.  So the 4th book is available for your purchase now.  I'm only giving away the first three.

And once again as I'm grateful to all my followers close and a far, this giveaway will be open INTERNATIONAL.  As long as Amazon or Book Depository delivers to you.  I trust you know if they deliver to you, then you can enter.

Giveaway Ends:  August 5, 2012 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly after, once I get through all the tallying of all giveaways (could take a couple days.)

Must be at least 18 to enter.  These are Adult books.

What do you need to do?

+2 ~ Leave a comment here saying you want to enter.

Extra Entries?

+4 ~ Share the giveaway.  MUST LEAVE A LINK to verify.

Anywhere;  Blog, Post, Sidebar, Tweet

     International Giveaway ~ 1st 3 bks of series! 3 Yrs Blogging, Celebrating with giveaways @MelLHay blog! http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

+4 ~ Comment on the Top Five Urban Fantasy Post.

+3 ~ Follow My World...in words and pages with Google Friend Connect. (PLEASE leave your Follower Name) You are not required to follow to enter, but I would love the company.

Top 5 Novella's for July 2011 thru June 2012

Top 5 List of Novellas

...I've reviewed for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

I started this last year with my blogging celebration and really enjoyed doing it, and it's easier to do it at this time of year rather than end of year with all going on.

And I always ask a fellow blogger to join in on the post as well, so we get a variety of books, or double whammed on amazing books too. lol. (that's happened, Really!)

I've really started to get into the Novellas this year.  Although it seems more and more authors are enjoying sharing these short side stories to enhance their series, worlds, and characters.  And maybe having a Nook now has help so I can read them too. ;)

My list for the last year:
There is something here for everyone.  And the price for novellas is so cheap, you have to try one of them out.  (click the titles to check out the novella price at Amazon.)

In no particular order, as I've loved each of these in different ways, and are amazing novellas!

Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella by Amanda Carlson - This was an amazing Urban Fantasy novella that introduced us into a dangerous werewolf world of Jessica McClain series, full of action and one tough chick that shouldn't exist.

Aladdin and His Wonderfully Infernal Device by Tee Morris - This is a steampunk remix to the old Aladdin tale.  And well done!  If you enjoy steampunk, do read this quick read.  Steam takes the place of magic, yet exists in the wonder of magic in this time frame as well.

Whiskey Sour (Demons of Oblivion) by Skyla Dawn Cameron - This is a novella of 3 short stories where we get back into the Demons of Oblivion world.  We meet a new strong woman in this world; Juilette who's part fey and part werewolf (cool!), we see where Zara decides to become an assassin for hire, then when Zara meets Juliette (love that tough chick) in the graveyard and there might be zombies.

Devil's Luck by Carolyn Crane - I enjoyed getting to see Simon from the Disillusionists series get his own novella, and to see Fawna more as well.  She is a great complement to Simon's gambling personality.

The Viscount and the Witch, short story (The Riyria Chronicles) by Michael J. Sullivan - Oh this is a short of Royce and Hadrian before they come to the popularity of the Riyria.  The first in a short story series of The Riyria Chronicles.  They are still fun, and you get a taste of their humor and smarts even if you haven't read the novels yet.

Top Podcast Picks for July 2011 through June 2012

In celebrating my 3 years blogging, each year brings something new (my blog is still so young).  One special thing this last year has brought me to is Podcasting.  I've mentioned it, but I'm going to officially lay blame on Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine for this new discovery.  No, Podcasting is not new, heck the ones I'm listening to have been out there for years, but well deserve a listen by everyone at any time.

I got hooked to Podcast stories when I got hooked on The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences first book, Phoenix Rising.  Tee and Pip have short stories they do, and other authors write, set in this world.  I look forward to the weeks when The Tales from the Archives will be posted to hear what new story I'll get, and a new author I will find.  I have a hard time with audio books.  My mind doesn't stay focused enough.  But!  Podcasts.  There is something different there.  They hold my attention with the voices, different sound affects, and music to help elevate the mood feeling.  Podcasts leave me starved for more.  It's becoming an addiction of mine these days.

I have fallen down the rabbit hole to a whole new wondrous world.  I've even found myself following the white rabbit, (Tee with his rabbit ears on.  No kidding, he has them!) all around to his favorite Podcast hang outs.  I sit in the corner listening, watching, and learning, picking up anything I can.  I've found a few that I've been able to listen to (darn that time thing!) and enjoyed.

My list of Podcasts to listen to is short, but WELL loved.  I hope you check them all out.  And the best part, all of the Podcasts I have listed (you know, the ones I love) are FREE listens!!  You can follow the links to jump over and check them out.  You can read my thoughts of each episode: follow the links in my tab called Podcasts.

My List of Top Podcasts: (yes, it's short as I've just started.) In NO particular order...

1.)  Tales from the Archives by Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris - This one has to come first as it's the one that pulled me down the rabbit hole.  A steampunk world with mystery, magical items, action, and great humor.

2.)  The Gearheart: Artifice by Alex White - This is a whole magical story I fell for from the first episode.  Shocked me!  Amazing Urban Fantasy story line, and great sound affects and voices by Alex White and his wife Renee.  Amazing!

3.)  Fables of the Flying City by Jared Axelrod - This one I'm still working on as there are several episodes and I've just started a few months ago.  This steampunk, action story by Jared Axelrod is great to listen to, and makes me chuckle at Ashe as I'm walking on the treadmill.


Now, I've named the culprits of my new addiction.  In doing so, I've asked if they would be willing to share 5 Top Podcast stories for us to check out.  I know 5 is not fair to Pip or Tee in selecting from the amazing list they have, but Pip has done it!

Please welcome the talented and kind Philippa Ballantine and her amazing list (that will be on my list to get to now)

Pip Ballantines Top 5 Podcasts: (in NO particular order)

1.)  Chris Lester's Metamor City - it's on a bit of a hiatus right now, but if you haven't caught up with this wonderful mix of science fiction and fantasy you should.

2.)  Dan Sawyer's Down From Ten - a really different story...a cozy mystery replete with fascinating characters.

3.)  Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell - His series of 'Horatio Hornblower in space' is a perennial favorite.

4.)  PG Holyfield's Murder at Avedon Hill - is a huge fantasy murder mystery with magic thrown in.

5.)  Mur Lafferty's Playing for Keeps - Super heroes with not so super powers.









Um, I am definitely adding these to the reader list!  Thank you Pip, and Tee, for introducing me into a whole new mystical world.

Giveaway #3 Fantasy for 3 Yr Blog Celebration

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****

I've decided to do a Giveaway where I share what I've loved, yet you get to pick what fits you.  So I've created a collage of my Top Five Fantasy Books I've loved in the last year (since last Blog Birthday), for you to pick from.

*Note:  If you have not yet read the first book (as it may not be on here) I am willing to let you pick the first book of a series listed here in place of the book listed here so you can start the fabulous series.  BUT it has to be the book of the series listed here, not something completely different.

And once again as I'm grateful to all my followers close and a far, this giveaway will be open INTERNATIONAL.  As long as Amazon or Book Depository delivers to you.  I trust you know if they deliver to you, then you can enter.

Giveaway Ends:  August 5, 2012 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly after, once I get through all the tallying of all giveaways (could take a couple days.)

Must be at least 18 to enter.  These are Adult books.

What do you need to do?

+2 ~ Leave a comment here saying which book has caught your eye.

Extra Entries?

+4 ~ Share the giveaway.  MUST LEAVE A LINK to verify.

Anywhere;  Blog, Post, Sidebar, Tweet

     3 Yrs Blogging, Celebrating with International giveaways @MelLHay blog! Awestruck Fantasy selection http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

+4 ~ Comment on the Top Five Fantasy Post.

+3 ~ Follow My World...in words and pages with Google Friend Connect. (PLEASE leave your Follower Name) You are not required to follow to enter, but I would love the company.

Top 5 Fantasy Books for July 2011 thru June 2012

Top 5 List of Fantasy books

...I've reviewed for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

I started this last year with my blogging celebration and really enjoyed doing it, and it's easier to do it at this time of year rather than end of year with all going on.

And I always ask a fellow blogger to join in on the post as well, so we get a variety of books, or double whammed on amazing books too. lol. (that's happened, Really!)

My list for the last year:
I have blended a mix of fantasy and fey in this years list.  In no particular order my top picks for this last year are:
~~ The Rebel Prince by Celine Kiernan - #3 in Moorehawke Trilogy - the conclusion I couldn't stop reading.  I had to see where the characters went and about the dreaded machine!

~~ Percepliquis by Michael J. Sullivan (this one many might recognize as book you buy now: the third book in the novel Heir of Novron.) - Aaah, this was the finally as well.  What an ending with all tied up in the end.  Great conclusion!

~~ The Fly In Paradise by Frances Pauli - #2 of The Changeling Race - this is where the whole story took on a new idea, and a major turn for me.  And I LOVED it!

~~ Tranquility's Blaze by Krista D. Ball - #1 of Tranquility series - This is where I meet Bethany first, and loved learning about her secrets and what came to pass with the God heritage she holds.

~~ Flame of Destiny by Colleen Helme - #1 of Flame dualogy - I thoroughly enjoyed Callista's connection with the flame within her.  The magical mystery behind the shadowbeasts and the ending we come to.  This book stuck in my mind throughout the whole year, until I picked up the second.  I had to get back to this world. (second books review will be coming this year.)

And because I stink at following the rules I set, I have one additional book to add to make six books this year...
~~ Hunter and Fox by Philippa Ballantine - #1 of A Shifted World Novel - This one made the list for it's amazing and outstanding world building.  This fantasy novel is one to go in with a fresh clean mind, as what you know of fantasy will be changed from the first word of this novel.  The characters are grown from this chaos world, and become more.

My Guest this year is:
Mirjam from A Bookworm's Treasure Trove.
I enjoy stopping by Mirjam's blog as she reviews old and new books in both fantasy and urban fantasy genre.  I learn about many great books I've missed over time, or coming out.  She is a rather kind person to chat with, so please visit Mirjam and find the great books and friend I've found.

Now, time for Mirjam's Top Five Fantasy List:
Mirjam found she gave all these books 5 stars, which she doesn't do all that often.  So these all look like winners!

1.)  Cast in Ruin  by Michelle Sagara West

2.)  Spider's Revenge  by Jennifer Estep

3.)  The Dread  by Gail Z. Martin

4.)  Shadow City  by Diana Pharaoh Francis

5.)  All Spell Breaks Loose  by Lisa Shearin

Giveaway #2 YA for 3 Yr Blog Celebration

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****

I've decided to do a Giveaway where I share what I've loved, yet you get to pick what fits you.  So I've created a collage of my Top Five Young Adult Books I've loved in the last year (since last Blog Birthday) for you to pick from.

*Note:  If you have not yet read the first book (as it may not be on here) I am willing to let you pick the first book of a series listed here in place of the book listed here so you can start the fabulous series.  BUT it has to be the book of the series listed here, not something completely different.

And once again as I'm grateful to all my followers close and a far, this giveaway will be open INTERNATIONAL.  As long as Amazon or Book Depository delivers to you.  I trust you know if they deliver to you, then you can enter.

Giveaway Ends:  August 5, 2012 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly after, once I get through all the tallying of all giveaways (could take a couple days.)

Must be at least 13 to enter.  These are YA books.

What do you need to do?

+2 ~ Leave a comment here saying which book has caught your eye, on this list.

Extra Entries?

+4 ~ Share the giveaway.  MUST LEAVE A LINK to verify.

Anywhere;  Blog, Post, Sidebar, Tweet

     3 Yrs Blogging, Celebrating with International giveaways @MelLHay blog! Outstanding YA selection http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

+4 ~ Comment on the Top Five YA Post.

+3 ~ Follow My World...in words and pages with Google Friend Connect. (PLEASE leave your Follower Name) You are not required to follow to enter, but I would love the company.

Top 5 Young Adult Books for July 2011 thru June 2012

Top 5 List of Young Adult books

...I've reviewed for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

I started this last year with my blogging celebration and really enjoyed doing it, and it's easier to do it at this time of year rather than end of year with all going on.

And I always ask a fellow blogger to join in on the post as well, so we get a variety of books, or double whammed on amazing books too. lol. (that's happened, Really!)

My list for the last year:
I've been a bit of a slow side with YA this year, but the ones I've read, I've loved.  Now, in no particular order...

All Wounds by Dina James (#1 of Stranger Things series)

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (#3 of Iron Fey series)

Enclave by Ann Aguirre (#1 of Razorland series)

Dormitory of the Dead by Kelly Lougheed (#2 of Hawthorn Dormitory series)

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton (#2 of Goblin Wars series)










My Guest this year is:
Michelle from Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS.
I've been following Michelle for several years now, maybe even from close to when I started now that I think about it.  I'm not sure when we found each other out here.  I pay attention to Michelle's reviews.  She reviews many amazing YA Paranormal and YA Urban Fantasy books I want, need, and would love, and books I can suggest to friends with Young Adults looking for great reads.  She never crucifies a book and I get a great feel for the books.  Michelle is a teacher and has taken book suggestions from her students, founding amazing YA books through them and many avenues.  Michelle has also self-published her own YA novel this past year as well... The Owens Legacy: Revelations in Kindle or The Owens Legacy: Revelations (Volume 1) in print.  Take a look if you would like, and yes it's Young Adult.

Now to Michelle's Top 5 YA Reads for the last year:

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Goddess Interrupted by Amiee Carter

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare