Freebie and Deals, for Nook too (22)

As every week, I share with you the link to the thread of Freebie Friday on Barnes and Nobles.  Do hope you enjoy and find one you like.

I've been on the slack-y side this week as I've been busy with work.  But I found one freebie on Nook.

I've been reading the three affiliated series of novella's with Fey and Sidhe.  The first book for Rise of the Unseelie is now available for free on Nook.

Aftershock by S. Ravynheart & S.A. Archer
   Barnes Nobles~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
(The Rise of the Unseelie # 1)

The day the Mounds collapsed Jhaer, leader of the Unseelie Elite, sacrificed his strength, his magic, and his very life to save his world.

It wasn’t enough.

He thought that was the end of his story… Instead it is the beginning.

Deals!
I read and absolutely loved this Novella.  It is on the top of my Top Novellas read in the last year.  Actually, best in a long while.
Now it's available for a short time for 99c. 

Blooded by Amanda Carlson    Amazon~ Kindle     Barnes and Nobles~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring. 
When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . . 

Movie Review: Tower Heist

Tower Heist

Released:  2011

Rated:  PG-13

Genre:  Comedy, Crime, Action

Length:  104mins, 1hr 44mins

Recommendation:  Yes, don't go in expecting a great big laugh, but it's enjoyable in itself.

Synopsis:
Josh Kovacs is the manager of a residential apartment in New York.  He is close to all the tenants, especially Arthur Shaw, a financier.  One day Shaw is arrested by the FBI for fraud.  Josh thinks it's a misunderstanding that can be resolved.  But later he learns that the employees' pension which he asked Shaw to handle is gone.  When one of the employees tries to kill himself, Josh's views of Shaw change.  he goes to see him and loses his temper.  He loses his job.  The FBI agent in charge of Shaw tells him that Shaw might walk and recovering the pension fund us unlikely.  She tells him that it's been rumored that Shaw has 20 million laying around if he needs.  Josh thinks he knows where it is.  So with two other employees who also lost their jobs and an evicted tenant, they set out to get into Shaw's penthouse to get the money.  But they realize they need the assistance of someone who knows what they are doing...

My Thoughts and Summary:
Josh manages a high end apartment complex in New York.  The tenants have become familiar with the employees and like wise back.  On tenant, a financier Arthur Shaw, has been arrested by FBI for fraud and stealing.  Josh learns that the pensions of his and his employees is now gone.  Everyone has nothing.  And one employee was getting ready to retire in a month, and after trying to commit suicide we learn all his savings over 70+ years is gone after giving it to Shaw to invest.  Josh starts to think on the "friend" Shaw and confronts him, causing him to loose his job and opening Josh's eyes that something needs to be done.  When Josh learns from the FBI agent that people like Shaw always have something stashed away, he starts thinking and remembers something Shaw did years ago.  Deciding to get back at Shaw, and help his ex-employees.

First I was surprised by the faces I recognized in this movie.  There were lots of actors/actresses I have seen over the years.  And enjoyed seeing them show up here.  Ben Stiller is in this, I'm not always a fan of his but this movie worked for me.  Eddie Murphy was in this one as well, and for me, he's the one that made the movie better.  For some reason his delivery of jokes make me laugh.

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this one through Netflix.  Really.  Looked like fun, and it was.  Oh there are a few things that these people do that are impossible, but it's just fun.  Don't think of it as seriousness.

I have to say I enjoyed watching this one as it's the little guy getting back at the powerful typhoon.  I really enjoyed the way they worked to become thieves and the outcome of it.  Just a fun watch.

The husband watched it with me and was surprised as well.  Not one to go to the movies over, but one to relax at home and pop into the DVD player.  I say don't go in expecting a big laugh, or looking to correct the goofy things they do, just let it be and take it for face value.  You might smile and enjoy then.

Looking Forward To...(108)

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...

Outpost

By:  Ann Aguirre

Due Out:  September 4, 2012

Oh, I loved the first book with my kid.  It was the first book we read together (other than as a little kid where I read to him) and we enjoyed.  We talked about it and he really seemed to have a wonderful take and feel for the story.  I'm hoping he'll do the same with me on this one.  Maybe if I tell him how everyone enjoyed his review with me on Enclave, he'll be willing to do the same this time...

Review:  Enclave

Goodreads Synopsis:
Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

Throwback Thursday (79)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

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;

Unk

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:

Well, dang.  I think so many of you have read this one and enjoyed the series thus far.  And it's another I really do want to get to as it sounds like a series of kick butt that I would enjoy.  I really like detective reads and magic mixed together.  And this has that feel to it.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm - if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires. As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend - a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing - and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil - whether she likes it or not...

Blog Book Chat, Stop 2 of Shadows Before the Sun

Alright, lets get right to the action here.  Where we stopped, it was a tough doing.  So, lets chat so we can get back to Charlie and see what the heck happens next!

****There Will Be Spoilers in the questions and comments****

Robyn's Questions:
1.)  What did you think of Charlie's power?  Could it even advance more?
2.)  Will Hank Come back now?  Or will it be awhile until we see old Hank?
3.)  What did you think of Sandra's fate?
4.)  The shadows.  Thoughts?

Melissa's Questions:
1.)  What curse do you think will be attached to Hank now? Just knowing these two extremely powerful words and being the only one or more?
2.)  Each time Charlie sees the Sachath it seems to be more humanoid looking, what is it trying to say to her?  How do you think she is to defeat it?
3.)  What more is coming?  Sandra mentioned she had seen images or scenes, and that Leander is on the right side, so what is coming?

Anything additional you would like to talk about, just mention in the comments.  Next week we will chat over the finale of the book!

Book Review: Thirteen

Thirteen

By:  Kelley Armstrong

Publisher:  Dutton Books

Publish Date:  July 29, 2012

Format:  Hardcover, 444pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  13th in The Otherworld series; Book 11 ~ Waking the Witch, Book 12 ~ Spell Bound

Recommendation:  Yes! You get to see the war brewing in all realms and come to a close with the characters.

Book Synopsis:
Ir's been more than ten years, a dozen installments and hundreds of thousands of copies since Kelley Armstrong introduced readers to the all-too-real denizens of the Otherworld: witches, werewolves, necromancers, vampires, and half-demons, among others.  And it's all been leading to Thirteen, the final installment, the novel that brings all of these stories to a stunning conclusion.

A war is brewing -- the first battle has been waged, and Savannah Levine, a young witch of remarkable power and a dangerous pedigree, is left standing, albeit battered and bruised.  She has rescued her half brother from supernatural medical testing, but he's fighting to stay alive.  The Supernatural Liberation Movement took him hostage, and they have a maniacal plan to expose the supernatural world to the unknowing.

Savannah has called upon her inner energy to summon spells with frightening strength, a strength she never knew she had, as she fights to keep her world from shattering.  But it's more than a matter of supernaturals against one another -- both heaven and hell have entered the war; hellhounds, genetically modified werewolves, and all forces of good and evil have joined the fray.

Uniting Savannah with Adam, Elena, Clay Paige, Lucas, Jaime, Hope and other lost-but-not-forgotten characters in one epic battle, Thirteen is a thrilling deeply satisfying closer for Armstrong's legions of fans.

First Sentence:
Typical guy.  You fight through hell -- literally, hacking through legions of beasts and zombies and demon-spawn -- to sneak home and spend a few stolen minutes with him...and he's not there.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Heaven and Hell are just as divided as the supernaturals in the human world.  Lots of fighting on supernaturals coming out to the humans and Lord Balaam has decided to Rule in the human world.  Savannah has to find a way to get through the paranormal world on her minimal magic now, and has picked up quickly and is a major piece in the war to come, fighting rogue drugged werewolves, hellhounds, and a sorcerer, along with demons.  All to be surprised with someone's visit.  The Supernatural Liberation Movement is fighting to show the world who the supernatural are, and change it for them, along with the vaccine of 'immortality' as well.

We start exactly where Spell Bound ended with Savannah, Bryce and Adam walking away from the lab that just blew up and fell down around them.  The vaccine...do you remember the virus from Spell Bound?  Yeap, it's back.  Hot and heavy mess with it here.  We are reminded of this that will grant immortality with a mix of supernatural DNA in it.  We learn more about this vaccine, which is a virus.

Savannah's mom is found to be more special than suspected and coveted by others.  Putting Savannah and Jaime Vegas on the radar for trouble.  Then we have Hope, who comes to the foreground due to who her father is.  All our characters in the Underworld series are in teams working on this huge issue of breakouts and the SLAM (the Supernatural Liberation Movement, as Savannah has branded them) group.

Savannah gets some treasured time with someone special.  She has also learned to handle being weak in the magic area, learning to adapt in other ways, making her a stronger person.

Some references back to Waking the Witch and Spell Bound in the case we are working through.  I'm sure more references are made to the other ten books as well, with the characters showing up, but shame on me for not reading them yet.

The book is from Savannah's point of view.  But there is a chapter here and there that are of anothers eyes so we see and know whats happening and getting a bigger story.  The characters he hear from briefly: Jaime, Elena, Paige, Hope, and Eve.

Oh, and if you are curious about Savannah and Adam.  Well, you'll have to read the book.  ;)

This story I think YA readers could easily follow through with from the previous two books.  I will mention there is sexual content, not that you get details while happening, but you know it's happened.  So safe it's to read.

I will say I do love Savannah and hope to see her in a few short stories in the future.  It would be nice to see these characters, the ones that make it out, again.  And there are a few stories here to be told.

I really enjoy this vast world of demons, witches, werewolves, vampires, and so much more supernatural.  Definitely a series to visit with so much available in it.  Well done Kelley.  I do want more, and will have to pick up the beginning books to get it, and hope for future tales as well.

From Russia, with Love
This is a short story at the end of the book that I think many long time series followers will love.  Where the series started, it should end as well.  Very nice touch by Kelley.  I don't want to give anything away as it's full from the start, and might also give you something about the ending of Thirteen as well.

I even enjoyed reading this short story and getting to see the twins, and more action with the characters.  I think it would be wonderful if Kelley could pick up with the twins in the future, for short stories and such.

Need to purchase it?

Amazon Print:

Amazon Ebook:

I read this book for an honest review from the Publicist.

Who? What? Where? (79)

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 )

This Week:

I'm with Sevy as we are found in the graveyard visiting her deceased lover's grave in Devenbourn.  His mother, whom we barely know, has come by and talked the unwilling Sevy to stay and visit.  Since she was such a big part of Jarro's life for so long.

Shades of War
By:  Sarah-Jane Lehoux