Cover & Description Reveal: Vampire Voyage

I've read the first two books in this YA series, and really enjoyed them with each one.  The third now has a cover and a description!

If you are curious of my thoughts on the first two books:
     The Graveyard Gymnasium
     Dormitory of the Dead

It's adorable!  I love the green.  This is a fun series for young adults from around twelve and up.

Vampire Voyage

By:  Kelly Lougheed

Description:

When Charity signs up for the Hawthorn School spring break trip to the St. Judas School for Boys in Romania, she has an inkling the trip won't just be all fun and romantic flings.  Being constantly surrounded by exotic European boys would be great...if so many of the boys weren't homicidal vampires.

While trying not to succumb to the peer pressure of drinking human blood at one of the vampire parties, Charity and her BFF Louise get tangled up with a boy named Ivan, who may or may not plan on using them in a nefarious scheme to turn all the hawthorn girls into vampires.

Louise refuses to believe Ivan capable of murder -- he's far too handsome!  But Charity sees evil in the way Ivan slicks his hair back with such unnecessary amounts of hair gel.  Can Charity -- in between seducing a past fling, Nicholae, and hiding her late-night wanderings from the trip chaperone, Ms. Van Tessel -- save her classmates from becoming bloodsucking fiends?

Thoughts On: Fables of the Flying City 38-41

Fables of the Flying City

By:  Jared Axelrod

Genre:  Steampunk

Episode:  38 of 44, Book Two: Mouths of the Dead

Format:  Podcast; 22:15 minutes

Synopsis:
Trouble At The Library

In which the size of the library is revealed, help is offered, a statue goes unnamed, the police are called, violence ensues, short work is made, a request is revealed as impossible, and a voice lurks in the shadows.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We visit the city's library with Ashe.  The library has been created with copies of books from around the world.  Ashe asks to see the Articles of Amperstam, and trouble explodes.

This is one extensive and massive library.  It holds information from all the nations on the ground, and is of ten buildings at the moment.  Boy would it be neat to visit this library!  We learn of the six founders of Amperstam and what they hoped to accomplish with the flying city.

Shortly after asking for the Articles two men show up to escort Ashe away with them.  Ashe has spunk!  This ends in a fight, against the constables and she is good!  We find out there was "business" regarding the Articles, in other words, they were stolen.  Anyone asking to see them was to be reported.  Then we have a new voice hidden, asking Ashe to go with him.

####################

Episode:  39 of 44, Book Two: Mouths of the Dead

Format:  Podcast; 13:26 minutes

Synopsis:
The Sand To Do It

In which a man is identified, a chase is given, guns are fired, a librarian is distraught, a leap is made, a tower is contemplated, a rogue is introduced, legs are admired, a Redlaw is threatened, and sand is appraised.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Another police man finally comes out to see Ashe, the Head Constable to be exact.  He is taking Ashe in on suspicion of treason.  Of course Ashe won't go!  Shots are fired, Ashe runs.  Thoughts of who and how the Articles where stolen form to Ashe, and she investigates further.

Ashe is full of action this episode.  She runs, jumps and flies through the air.  And once again Jared gives a great feel in his voice while the carefree jump and then the harsh hit when she lands.

We learn in the chit chat before action, that the Provost home was where the original Articles were and likely stolen from there.  So thoughts of a person jumping from a helicopter could steal the Articles and jump out to grab a swing...  Tolban knows of a helicopter pilot who would do it, and we go chat with him.  Mucol was taken by Hugh to the tower!  Mucol said she was going to give Redlaw a piece or three.  She had something on him, and she was going to use it!

Now, what did she have?  With this episode I'm starting to piece together what happened with Mucol, but I want to know more.

####################

Episode:  40 of 44, Book Two: Mouths of the Dead

Format:  Podcast; 12:22 minutes

Synopsis:
Cardor Lends A Hand

In which Cardor is resistant, Ashe pushes, Cardor demures, Ashe pushes harder, stratagems are plotted, plums are plundered, low temperatures are enjoyed, Cardor's imagination is questioned, a clouddog is dismissed, another is discussed, and Castigir Redlaw is generous to his son.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ashe asks Cardor to see his dad, the big Redlaw as Castigir doesn't have time to schedule with just anyone let alone his own son, to see if he meet with the water monger girl.

We do meet Castigir Redlaw briefly here, a very rich and powerful man.  We learn he owns water condensation caves and a girl waving papers at him did come by saying she would ruin him.  But he thinks she had nothing as she had not been back.  Then!  Then we have mention of the tenant with a past due bill and has until tomorrow then all her items are to go in the alley...the tenant, Ashe.

I kinda feel for Cardor here with his dad.  Seems Cardor doesn't feel important or powerful like his father.

####################

Episode:  41 of 44, Book Two: Mouths of the Dead

Format:  Podcast; 12:39 minutes

Synopsis:
Bones Below The Streets

In which our heroes go below, Gatling is measured against, Ashe admits what she's looking for, Tolban makes a misstep, a net is fortuitous, piles of skulls are witnessed, the likelihood of monsters is debated, and the Ossuarist makes his presence known.

My Thoughts and Summary:
There are tunnels through the city, in the "ground."  Sewers.  Ashe and Tolban trapse through them.  Tolban wants out, Ashe wants to know more of her current case.  A monster is speculated about, with what is found, and Ashe slips falling toward the sky below her.

We remember Gatling briefly.  Ashe is asked what she is looking for, she answers a reason, but then interrupted before she finishes her thought.

We get to see the inside of the underbelly of the city.  The tunnels, or sewers.  The tunnels are all angled to allow waste to fall with gravity, out to land below.  Then they find tons and tons of piles of skulls and bones.  I am even more curious as to what the engine does to create this from people!

We do meet a new person down here doing his job.  This old man has much to share and just might as offers Ashe and Tolban tea where he stays.





If you would like to Listen to the stories about Ashe, you can find Fables of the Flying City free on the site for Fables of the Flying City: http://www.fablesoftheflyingcity.com/  There are links to iTunes and RSS feed.  You can also see the list of episodes in their order on Jared Axelrod's site.

If you are curious about the Graphic Novel, it is now available!  The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod and Steve Walker.  You can view a sample of the first 20 pages on Tor's site.

Next Listen Is...

Thank you everyone who voted here and on Twitter for the next read.  I will say all three of these will get listened to in due time.

This was a close run!  I was very surprised.  Very close run between Superheroes and Steampunk Vampires.  So, I think my next listen might be picked as well.

But the listen to be in my ears is....

Avalon Revisited 

By:  O.M. Grey

Description:

Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur’s shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders on the dark streets of London. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.

You can listen to this one for free as well, just visit O.M. Greys site: Caught in the Cogs, and this list of chapters for your easy finding.

This one you will hear about in my podcast thoughts after all is posted for Fables of the Flying City (one more week).

But I have to say I think I'll have to line up Playing For Keeps after Avalon Revisited.

Description:

The shining metropolis of Seventh City is the birthplace of super powers. The First Wave heroes are jerks, but they have the best gifts: flight, super strength, telepathy, genius, fire. The Third Wavers are stuck with the leftovers: the ability to instantly make someone sober, the power to smell the past, the grace to carry a tray and never drop its contents, the power to produce high-powered excrement blasts, absolute control. over elevators. 

Bar owner Keepsie Branson is a Third Waver with a power that prevents anything in her possession from being stolen. Keepsie and her friends just aren't powerful enough to make a difference. at least that's what they've always been told. But when the villain Doodad slips Keepsie a mysterious metal sphere, the Third Wavers become caught in the middle of a battle between the egotistical heroes and the manipulative villains. 

As Seventh City begins to melt down, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad, and even harder to tell who may become the true heroes.

You can listen to Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty as well, on Mur's site: The Murverse, and at this list which gives links to the podcast, podiobooks, and the ebook to read as well.

Teaser Tuesday (131)

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:

The energy inside of me hummed so loud and consuming and angry I was lost in it, swept away.  The symbols on my right arm began to glow.

Shadows Before the Sun
By:  Kelly Gay
163 pg

Giveaway Time!! The Janus Affair

I've ended up with an extra copy of a book I've enjoyed.  Yes, by accident, but it works out splendidly for you.

So, I just reviewed The Janus Affair, and I might add enjoyed the steampunk read...learned much more of our adventurous duo.  I just posted my review, and want share this one with another.

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 hypersteam 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.

Would you like to win a copy?

I'll be mailing this one as I have it in my presence.
Open International, as I do have lots of lovely friends over seas as well.

Giveaway Ends August 30, 2012 12:01am EST.

You MUST Follow the instructions, or your entry will be void.

There are Extra Entries.  They do not need to be done, but some do like to do them.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Janus Affair

The Janus Affair
A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Publisher:  Harper Voyager

Publish Date:  June 2012

Format:  Paperback 416pgs, pocketbook size

Genre:  Steampunk

Series:  2nd in A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series; 1st book ~ Phoenix Rising
Also affiliated with Tales from the Archives

Recommendation:  Oh bloody right you should!  Steampunk, mystery, adventure, action, good humor, what more can you ask for?

Book Synopsis:
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 hypersteam 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.

First Sentence:
It was the smell -- the smell of metal baking under a summer sun -- that alerted Lena to the terrible fact that her getaway had been a failure.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Lena disappears before Eliza on the train in a flash of lightning, but just before doing so asks Eliza for help.  Eliza wants and requests the case, but being a Junior Archivist (not on field work) and compromised with knowing the victim, is not given the case.  Agent Bruce Campbell is given the case.  While at a suffragist meeting another lady, one well known to Eliza, is attacked.  Eliza now starts to investigate the case with Wellington's help, and finds it leads to the suffragist women going missing and protecting the one woman who could lead the England Suffragists into a new time.  This particular incident seems to go back several years in the archives when investigated into it, all unsolved and referencing the burnt metal smell and flash of light.  As far away from the past as both our partnered agents might think, it will creep up to them fast here.

Both of our courageous characters are haunted by their history.  One that wants it back and the other who can't forget it.  Eliza's past keeps showing up in London...a suffragist from New Zealand, an old love...all the things that bring Eliza's exiled home fresh to the front of her mind.  We see Eliza with a touch of vulnerability with her yearning for her home land, and missing her family and friends.  Wellington's mind is daunting by his memories of his commanding father.

Boy do I love Wellington and the secrets he has.  We get a small taste of what he has up his sleeves, yet still so mysterious!  I want to tell Eliza, Wellington is much more than she knows...stronger and deadlier than she thinks, yet such a gentleman.  I just love seeing Wellington's spunk.  The secrets he's hiding are starting to seep through the longer he is with the adventurous Eliza, and becoming visible to those around them.

We are sucked into the mystery in the prelude wondering what Lena is running from and why.  Then what the heck happened to her on the train in front of Eliza!?  Shocking!  And the electrifying mystery will have you guessing and looking for clues with our duo.

I have to mention the chapter headings, titles as per say.  Ha ha!  Love these.  They make me smile and give a little of whats to come in the chapter.  And they call Eliza a Pepperpot!

The Ministry Seven is back!  These kids add a lovely touch to the story with Eliza and Wellington.  Almost a family feeling.  There is a young Verity mentioned.  I love Verity!  and so excited to see here status here.  Between listening to the Tales from the Archives and reading the books I know Verity is in the Tales from the Archives, but not 100% sure of Phoenix Rising.  I do enjoy hearing of her again though.  Brilliant young lady.

Speaking of the Tales from the Archives!  It is NOT necessary to listen or read them to enjoy any of these books.  But, yes always a but... But they do give a few back stories you could very well enjoy, especially after reading this book.  If you are curious about Eliza and the happenings related to Kate, you can read or listen to the podcast that highlights this story.  But do take a listen to The Evil that Befell Sampson.  Or you can download the first collection stories in Kindle format (which includes The Evil That Befell Sampson) at:

Now to go with learning about Eliza's past, if you are more curious about Wellington and his father you can learn a touch on that as well with the Tales from the Archives.  We have Sins of the Father, in podcast form.  Or, again, you can download the collection of short stories in Kindle format (including Sins of the Father) at:

I do love seeing our secret agents on a mission, seeing glimpses of Eliza and Wellington enjoying teasing each other, and knowing just how to push each others buttons.  They both know what cards to play and when, with what they do and the secrets each keeps... the secrets might just be the obvious thoughts are just a cover and there is more stewing underneath the layers.

Since I went there with the links on Eliza and Wellington's past, if you are curious to meet Verity, you can listen to the podcast with her in, The Precarious Child.  Or again, download on your Kindle the collection of stories with her tale in it:

Again, I can't wait to get more of Eliza and Wellington in their next adventure!  Of course I know after reading this book where they are going next, and can't wait to get there.  (No, it's not a cliffhanger, just lets you know where they are heading next.)

Do enjoy!

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Janus Affair:

In Print:

In Kindle:

I read this book for review, and my own enjoyment as I love this world created.

Monday's Beginnings (156)

And it's Monday...grrr...

I had a busy week last week in books.  I sprained my ankle and had one day off work to try to keep it propped up, so of course I read!  It felt like I did really good during the week with books, being stuck on the couch and not able to exercise or anything.  But the weekend was not so promising.  I had lots of house work to get caught up on.

I'm not sure how this week will play out in books though.  I think we have a good bit going on in the evenings.  I'll see what happens.  I have a few books I am trying to decide on picking up next.

But to the bookish list for last week...

Current Read:
Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay

Finished Last Week:
Bloodhound by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Hunter of the Dead by Katee Robert
The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod & Steve Walker

Reviews to Come:
The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morrise
The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare
Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong
Tethered by Meljean Brook
Spirits Rising by Krista D. Ball
The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson
Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Bloodhound by S.A. Arcer & S. Ravynheart
Hunter of the Dead by Katee Robert
The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod & Steve Walker

Book Reviews Posted:
Discount Miracles by Brand Gamblin
9 Crimes by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Movie Review Posted:
Resident Evil & Chronicle

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Fables of the Flying City Ep 34-37

Books and Covers Shared:
The Dragon's Egg by Resa Nelson - Cover & Synopsis
Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson - Cover & Synopsis

Special Posts:
Blog Book Chat stop 1 for Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay
I was curious what story you would like to hear about from my next listen.
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (21)

I did not do a Flash Fiction Friday.  There was no picture last week.  But I'm not sure what exactly is going on with images on the internet, so I'm not sure how this will work out in the future.  Maybe we can us an idea or a word or something to gear the stories we create instead of images.  We'll see what happens.

My WANT List...I've added 6 books.  Not bad. :)

Received Last Week:
Purchased:

Wrong Side of Dead by Kelly Meding
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.

I will lay blame on Bastard Books & Mihir.  I ordered the second one as they didn't have it at the store, so when I get it I'll get on this series.
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden’s faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. All par for the course for Chicago’s only professional wizard.

But in all of Harry’s years of supernatural sleuthing, he’s never faced anything like this: the spirit world’s gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble—and not just of the door-slamming, ‘boo’- shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly.

Someone—or something—is stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn’t figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself....

Lost and Found:  (okay, it wasn't lost, I forgot I bought it some time ago for the kid. Now I'm keeping it.)

The Sons of Liberty by Alexander Lagos, Joseph Lagos, Steve Walker, Oren Kramek
Goodreads Synopsis:
Forget everything you thought you knew about America's early days-history packs a punch in this full-color, two-fisted, edge-of-your-seat adventure!

Graphic novels are a revolution in literature, and The Sons of Liberty is a graphic novel like no other. Visual and visceral, fusing historical fiction and superhero action, this is a tale with broad appeal-for younger readers who enjoy an exciting war story, for teenagers asking hard questions about American history, for adult fans of comic books, for anyone seeking stories of African American interest, and for reluctant readers young and old.

In Colonial America, Graham and Brody are slaves on the run-until they gain extraordinary powers. At first they keep a low profile. But their mentor has another idea-one that involves the African martial art dambe . . . and masks.

With its vile villains, electrifying action, and riveting suspense, The Sons of Liberty casts new light on the faces and events of pre-Revolution America, including Ben Franklin and the French and Indian War. American history has rarely been this compelling-and it's never looked this good.

For Tour & Review:

Stitch by Samantha Durante
Goodreads Synopsis:
Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

So...how was your week?  How does this week look for you?

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