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Review and Giveaway: Spectacle by S.J. Pierce

10/28/2015

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Spectacle by S.J. Pierce 
Publication date: July 13th 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
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Hunger Games meets Avatar in this spellbinding new Young Adult, Science-Fiction novel by bestselling author Susan James Pierce.

Two hundred years after the Great Disaster, the day earthquakes ravaged Earth's landscapes, humanity has finally regrouped and is working toward a better future. But in New America - one of three remaining landmasses - overpopulation makes a better future seem bleaker by the year.

Mira (Mirabella) Foster and her parents are citizens of New America, and with the threat of starvation and disease looming on the horizon, a new discovery threatens to push everyone to the brink of chaos: blue markings develop on people's skin. Markings that allow them to camouflage their skin, but also make them feared, and eventually, targets of violence.

Mira's dad is one of them.

My thoughts

Wooww! Super love this guys! Ok, so the synopsis says this book is like Hunger Games mixed with Avatar and while I agree with that, id like to say that it also has a bunch of other stuff too. I personally couldnt even get through Hunger Games....i've tried a few times now...but nope, just never works out for me. This book was easy and effortless for me though. So, while some of the elements are similar, the writing style and other stuff is different. Even if you didnt like Hunger games, you will probably like this. Personally, when i saw it was similar, i frowned...but after starting it.....i was super addicted.

So the book starts when Mira is a child. There has been a disaster many, many years before and like the whole world is flooded....well almost. Most of the US and other places are flooded. The story takes place in Colorado... but this is a futuristic Colorado. So anyway, humanity as a whole is having hards times with the reduced land mass and such. Mira's life is generally going pretty good, considering the circumstances, until her dad falls ill. When he does emerge, he and Mira's mother has a big secret to share. Mira finds out that her dad isn't quite who she thought....and unfortunately, he's pretty much branded with blue swirls so the whole world will inevitable find out his secret too.... Gaaww, i really want to say the a-word...but i'm thinking it might be a spoiler...well, you guess need to read this if you want to know which "a" word.

Anyway though, Mira, her dad, and others with the "secret" do finally come out and even agree to speak with the government and such. Unfortunately for them, not many people like them for holding such a secret and something horrible happens...and it's blamed on Mira's dad.... low and behold.... Exile!! Yes, they are actually kicked out of "New America" for this...some secret huh. So the rest of the story takes place when Mira is older and talks about their new life on a new island as well as their plan for trying to get home and proving their innocence. I hope i didn't give too much detail away.... The synopsis is kind of vague and only really talks about the first few chapters....and i sorta liked that. It's was awesome not knowing what was going to happen. :D 

Ok, so this book was awesome! I love this genre...my absolute favorite: dystopian with a scifi flare.  <3 <3 <3  I really liked Mira, her parents, and all of the friends. They were well written, unique and very entertaining. My fave was Luxxe. I also really like the visualizations of the world. I liked imagining the scenes and characters. The worldbuilding was spectacular. I'm not quite sure if this is a debut novel, but the author really did do a good job telling the story. I really hope there is more to the story...id def be up to reading a few more books! Id certainly recommend this book to my bookie friends. It's awesome and i can't really find much to complain about. 4.75 stars...which rounds to 5 stars. Yay!  

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S.J. Pierce

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Susan James Pierce has a degree in Marketing Management, works for a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta, Georgia, and devotes her precious, spare time to writing Fantasy, Paranormal and Sci-fi novels. 

Please visit www.sjpiercebooks.blogspot.com and sign up for her mailing list or subscribe to her blog if you'd like to hear when new books come out! Coming soon:

  -Iris (Novella: The Captivated Series) Available now!!!
  -Fight for Me (Book Two: The Captivated Series)

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Review and Giveaway: Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey

9/24/2015

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---click the banner for the full tour schedule---
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Title: Picture Imperfect
Author: Jelsa Mepsey
Themes: Romance, Contemporary
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Picture Imperfect by Jelsa Mepsey

Sixteen-year-old Max Prescott knows all too well the joys of cheating girlfriends and traitorous friends. He’s not eager to have his heart trampled again, but money and a fresh start can mean the difference between happiness and a dark path with his name on it.

So when Melly Hewson, a perky and enigmatic classmate, asks him to be her model for a year-long photography project, Max agrees. Melly Hewson is everything Max isn’t. She’s outgoing, witty and always knows the right words to say. And despite his best efforts, Max finds himself drawn to her.

Still, he isn’t stupid. He knows a girl like Melly will only use him and then never speak to him again.

Besides, he’s been to that rodeo. As long as he keeps his feelings off the market, he won’t make the same mistakes as last time.

Yet underneath Melly’s sweet smiles lies a secret she’d rather kept hidden. And as the year goes on and the photos pile up, Max and Melly will find themselves developing through the negatives, a story that when told could push them to opposite ends of their world. But the only thing worst than the truth is, the facade that surrounds them.

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Review

Loved this story! First off let me say that contemporary romance isn't my favorite genre. The first book I ever read for "pleasure" was a contemporary....it was dreadful and almost made me swear off this so-called "reading for fun". Soon after that however, I discovered dystopian, paranormal and science fiction....and I knew I was a real bookworm. Now though, whenever i read a Contempary....i usually keep waiting for the vampire or werewolf or robot...lol. So yeah, contemporaries arent my thing. With that being said. id like to reiterate that I loved this story. 

Let me just say this now, In this first few pages, my lips did the "Oh" as in OMG. The reason for this is becasue oof the rawness in the language used. When we first meet Max....his actions and the language in which he thinks wow. I can't say I've ever read a book where a character was afraid the get a fly (or ant) on his d*ck or up his *ss. Lmao. I think i may have even giggled out loud and said omg a few times in the presence of others. 

The sorta rawness is throughout the whole book. I gotta say though....at first it sorta kinda made my feel...weary of Max. I mean...hes quite far from Prince Charming. The more i read of him though and he with Melly the more he grew on me. There are some ups and downs in the book and with him...but in the ending, i can definitely say that I have a favorable opinion of him.  

As for Melly and the other characters, I liked them all. Melly was super cool and seemed to be thoughtful for the mostpart, which i like the see in characters. Tina was great too. My favorite character was Waffles though. I actually have a dog and his name is actually Max...lol. Small world indeed as but not full of sh*t. lol!!

Overall, I give this book 4.75 stars. For being a genre I don't care much for, this book kept me surprisingly entertained. The story was sweet(ish) and unique. I liked the setting and characters. I did still slightly hope Max was a vampire though....Or if Melly was a witch...that'd be an awesome twist. Lol, just joking guys. It was really great the way it was. There were only a few instatnces where i had to re-read the a page or so back because I was slightly confused.....but lets be real, that was probably my issue and not the writing. (points--> bemused bookworm) I'll be on the lookout for more books from this author and will probably reread this one again to see if the wow factor remains on the second time through.   

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Jelsa Mepsey

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Jelsa Mepsey writes young adult contemporary romance fiction, drawing inspiration from daily life. With her work, she is dedicated to spurring people to think about what they have taken for granted and to shed light on the issues people avoid talking about. As an Asian-American in her 20s, she is excited to explore more of the human experience as she herself journeys through life. Writing, rock climbing 5.12 routes, and playing various instruments have resulted in the formation of many calluses on her hands over the years. When not engaging in her previously mentioned hobbies, Jelsa can be found at her local library with a stack of at least ten books, naming her various pens, or staring at her dog Waffles for inspiration.


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Review and Giveaway: Ruby's Choice by D.F. Jones

9/15/2015

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Title: Ruby's Choice
Author: D.F. Jones
Series: Book 1 of Ditch Lane Diaries
Pages: 184 pages
Themes: Romance, Paranormal
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Ruby's Choice by D.F. Jones

Ditch Lane Diaries: Ruby’s Choice is the debut novel by D.F. Jones and book one of the Ditch Lane Diaries. Ruby’s Choice is a coming of age story set in the late 1970’s in Middle Tennessee with a splash of paranormal which will blossom in the second and third books of the series. Ruby’s Choice-Everglade, Tennessee, 1977 Stuck in the Middle with Two. 

 Ever since Ruby discovered an amber-encased spider web in the Campbell Ridge Cave, she has had dreams of births, deaths and glimpses into the future. Ruby’s dreams have foretold the daughter of her high school friend, Cathy, the death of her beloved Aunt Sammie, and the coming of a new love in her life. Ruby’s shift is coming to a close at Everglade General Store. As she stacks the last row of bath soap, Ruby recalls the delicious dream she had the night before. In the dream, a gorgeous guy is kissing a tickle spot, just behind her left earlobe, sending shivers up her spine. If only that dream could come true, instead of the one where a state trooper gives her a seventy-five dollar speeding ticket! Ruby snaps back to reality when she hears the store’s front door bells chime. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say the frickin’ Adonis from her sexy dream just walked through the door. Reed Jackson and Brent Brown introduce themselves to Ruby as members of the local baseball team her brother, George, manages. Brent mentions they specifically came out to the store to meet George’s hot, little sister. Ruby is slightly confused when she hears Reed murmur Tap It under his breath, but then she remembers the rumor going around campus about Reed and Brent’s dating game, where the two best friends compete to have a girl profess undying love to one of them. And Tap It is a winner takes all—all of what, though, Ruby has no clue. Ruby decides that she’ll play along, but according to her rules. She’ll suss out if either of these players is worthy of her love and respect. One thing is for sure, Ruby is no pawn. Who will be Ruby’s Choice?


Review

I was super excited to receive Ruby's Choice, so thanks a bunch to the Author and Bewitching Book tours. When I saw the cover, it instantly reminded me of summer and bonfires. 

Hmm, i'd have to say my favorite "chapter" was the prologue. There were more exciting parts of the book, but for me, the prologue really drew me in. My overall fave genre of books is YA Paranormal or SciFi...pretty much anything that isn't real. lol. The prologue talks more about the spider web encased in amber that is mentioned in the description. Some quite weird things happen in the prologue that really makes me want to read the book to see just how it all plays out. The majority of the rest of the book focuses a lot on the romance with less on the paranormal. I did read somewhere though, that the paranormal comes out more in books 2 and 3....so i'm really excited about that.

So the rest of the book, It was great too. It starts off many years after the prologue when Ruby is almost 20. (so i guess this makes it NA?) She meets these two guys at the store where she works. She is instantly attracted to both and realizes that she's had a dream about one of them before. The rest of the book goes through her dating and attraction towards the two...and ultimately leads to her choice. *wink, wink* 

For the characters, i'd say they are written great. I really appreciate when the characters are written very differently and with different personality. When trying to think back on a book, i get completely confused when they aren't. I'm happy to report that the characters here are great!

The setting was amazing! I may be biases though. I did spend one summer in Tennessee when i was younger....but still, the author did a great job in making me see the surrounding. I love Fall and Summer books. Yes please!! Hmm, maybe the book was pulling up some memories...but it was awesome.

The story was pretty good. Ruby was feisty and funny and i really appreciated that. I, for one though, wouldn't have even looked at those guys when they came into the store. There were gorgeous.... but i would probably have found it odd for them to come onto me so strongly after merely seeing me. I would have told them to "get lost"....but i'd probably stare as they walking away. lol. I slightly have a thing against weird dudes messing with me...it annoys me.... but i'm probably just strange. lol. They did turn out to be pretty nice though.... Mostly.

Overall, i really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and funny love story...but with some drama to keep it entertaining. I had no problems with the story or characters for the most part. One thing i'd like to mention is that this book does contain scenes with under age drinking and sex. I think my readers know by now that i don't ever condone either in YA books....but i think this really was more like a NA. Either way, for my younger readers, i wanted to put in a warning. 

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D.F. Jones

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D.F. Jones is a native of Middle Tennessee and is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. After college she landed a job with the ABC Affiliate in Nashville as a broadcast consultant. She opened her advertising agency in 1998. After years of writing creative for other people through her media company, she decided to write something for herself. It turned into her debut novel, Ruby’s Choice. If you love to read and get immersed into the characters of a book, then you will catch a small drift of how incredible it is to write your own characters and breathe them into life.

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Mini Review and Discussion: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

8/27/2015

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Thanks to Whitney at She Is Too Fond Of Books for Hosting the tour!

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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

"Rebecca is a work of immense intelligence and wit, elegantly written, thematically solid, suspenseful.." —Washington Post
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again . . ."
The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives--presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.
First published in 1938, this classic gothic novel is such a compelling read that it won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the Century.

Daphne du Maurier

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If Daphne du Maurier had written only Rebecca, she would still be one of the great shapers of popular culture and the modern imagination. Few writers have created more magical and mysterious places than Jamaica Inn and Manderley, buildings invested with a rich character that gives them a memorable life of their own.

In many ways the life of Daphne du Maurier resembles that of a fairy tale. Born into a family with a rich artistic and historical background, the daughter of a famous actor-manager, she was indulged as a child and grew up enjoying enormous freedom from financial and parental restraint. She spent her youth sailing boats, travelling on the Continent with friends, and writing stories. A prestigious publishing house accepted her first novel when she was in her early twenties, and its publication brought her not only fame but the attentions of a handsome soldier, Major (later Lieutenant-General Sir) Frederick Browning, who married her.

Her subsequent novels became bestsellers, earning her enormous wealth and fame. While Alfred Hitchcock's film based upon her novel proceeded to make her one of the best-known authors in the world, she enjoyed the life of a fairy princess in a mansion in Cornwall called Menabilly, which served as the model for Manderley in Rebecca.

Daphne du Maurier was obsessed with the past. She intensively researched the lives of Francis and Anthony Bacon, the history of Cornwall, the Regency period, and nineteenth-century France and England, Above all, however, she was obsessed with her own family history, which she chronicled in Gerald: a Portrait, a biography of her father; The du Mauriers, a study of her family which focused on her grandfather, George du Maurier, the novelist and illustrator for Punch; The Glassblowers, a novel based upon the lives of her du Maurier ancestors; and Growing Pains, an autobiography that ignores nearly 50 years of her life in favour of the joyful and more romantic period of her youth. Daphne du Maurier can best be understood in terms of her remarkable and paradoxical family, the ghosts which haunted her life and fiction.

While contemporary writers were dealing critically with such subjects as the war, alienation, religion, poverty, Marxism, psychology and art, and experimenting with new techniques such as the stream of consciousness, du Maurier produced 'old-fashioned' novels with straightforward narratives that appealed to a popular audience's love or fantasy, adventure, sexuality and mystery. At an early age, she recognised that her readership was comprised principally of women, and she cultivated their loyal following through several decades by embodying their desires and dreams in her novels and short stories.

In some of her novels, however, she went beyond the technique of the formulaic romance to achieve a powerful psychological realism reflecting her intense feelings about her father, and to a lesser degree, her mother. This vision, which underlies Julius, Rebecca and The Parasites, is that of an author overwhelmed by the memory of her father's commanding presence. In Julius and The Parasites, for example, she introduces the image or a domineering but deadly father and the daring subject of incest.

In Rebecca, on the other hand, du Maurier fuses psychological realism with a sophisticated version of the Cinderella story. The nameless heroine has been saved from a life of drudgery by marrying a handsome, wealthy aristocrat, but unlike the Prince in Cinderella, Maxim de Winter is old enough to be the narrator's father. The narrator thus must do battle with The Other Woman - the dead Rebecca and her witch-like surrogate, Mrs Danvers - to win the love of her husband and father-figure.  (Bio from goodreads.com)

My Thoughts

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. - First line of Rebecca

This first line really set the gothic scene for the whole book. I must admit that i have been reading slowly and haven't completed it fully, but i have read enough the understand its direction and i have certainly read enough to know i like the story. In a nutshell, the story goes like this. The protag (a young lady who never really identifies herself) meets, falls in love with and marries Maxim while on vacation. The problem with this is that his previous wife, Rebecca, has died some time before. As soon as our protag enters the residence (called Manderley) she feels as if she's being haunted by ghost of the first wife. Maybe not physically haunted...but she feels her presence and feels unwelcome. To make things worse, the head server person Mrs. Danvers is still "loyal" to the first wife and pretty much despises the new wife. On top of all that, the husband is all distant and odd acting! We find out later that he has a big secret. After the secret is revealed, things between the wife and husband seem to calm and smooth over...but this only enflares good ole Mrs. Danvers. And this brings us back to the first line, what Mrs. Danvers does next is something nightmares or made of!

As far as content, character development and writing style, i loved it all. I can see how some people may say it moves slightly slow, but i was honestly so enthralled with the story, i didn't even notice. I think my favorite part was reading all the info on the setting and environment. I like picturing myself in the manor. My inner princess was really into that, though it wasn't the Buckingham Palace. It was still a good sounding place to want to explore! Well i wouldn't explore with Mrs Danvers around. That woman was dreadful....don't want to see her in a dark corridor in the middle of the night. Karmic Retribution <--- two words, that all i have to say about that!

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think the significance is of leaving the female protag unnamed? (First Name)
2. Compare and contrast this story with Jane Eyre.
3. Would you consider this a true ghost story? What causes this story to be considered Gothic? 
4. Was Mrs. Danvers a good villian?   
5. Is justice served at the end of the novel? Why or Why not?

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Review: Lumiere by Jacqueline Garlick

8/18/2015

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Title: Lumière
Author: Jacqueline Garlick
Series: 1 of The Illumination Paradox
Pages: 335
Themes: Steampunk, Fantasy, Robots, Science Fiction
Rating: 4 stars

Lumiere by Jacqueline Garlick

One determined girl. One resourceful boy. One miracle machine that could destroy everything. 

After an unexplained flash shatters her world, seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth sets out to find the Illuminator, her father’s prized invention. With it, she hopes to cure herself of her debilitating seizures before Professor Smrt—her father’s arch nemesis—discovers her secret and locks her away in an asylum. 

Pursued by Smrt, Eyelet locates the Illuminator only to see it whisked away. She follows the thief into the world of the unknown, compelled not only by her quest but by the allure of the stranger—Urlick Babbit—who harbors secrets of his own. 

Together, they endure deadly Vapours and criminal-infested woods in pursuit of the same prize, only to discover the miracle machine they hoped would solve their problems may in fact be their biggest problem of all.

Book Review

Yay, first off let me say how super excited i was to receive this book. I did the blitz a few weeks ago and every since then, i really wanted to read the book. I was able to find book 1 and book 2 on Netgalley, so that was awesome. 

I started off with slightly high expectations  for this book and it didn't disappoint. Let me start by saying that this is my first ever steampunk type book....i don't read a lot of historical either...so some parts of the descriptions left me slightly confused...i guess maybe my imagination is also probably lacking because i had problems visualizing some of the steampunk scenes. This isnt really the book or author fault, im just new to the genre. Despite that though, i did really enjoy the story.   

The opening scene with the mechanical elephant was my favorite scene in the whole book. That first scene really set the mood for the steampunk theme. The sights and sounds were described well and it really came alive. This is also when we first see The Illuminator. By the end of the prologue, we know something horrible and possibly irreversible has happened. The prologue in general was a very good hook for the rest of the story. The first chapter and the rest of the book was set in the the future and in a very much different world. In the last 9-10 years since the prologue, the world has drastically changed, pretty much for the worse for the lives of the citizens of this world.  

I really enjoyed this book and the writing. I found the characters to be well written and interesting. One thing i noticed was how the characters arent perfect. In most books, the love interest is considered perfect. You know, the protag females is thinking about his perfect skin and muscles and whatever else she finds attractive. This book is the opposite. Neither the protag or love interest are perfect, but the love story still works. Its a slow forming love story and that makes it feel authentic. 

The whole book took me a while to read, like more than a week. Im not sure if i was distracted or if the story events were slow, but i found the middle slightly slow moving. The semester just started, so i suspect i was just preoccupied.  Overall, i give the book 4 stars for being a great story, with great writing and characters. I look forward to reading the next book.      

 Jacqueline Garlick

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I'm Jacqueline Garlick, author of young adult and new adult fiction. I love strong heroines, despise whiny sidekicks, and adore a good story about a triumphant underdog. (Don't you?) 
I love to read, write, paint (walls and paper). I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate, grammar, and technology and would rather hang out with a dog, than a cat. I prefer creating things to cleaning things, and believe laughter is a one-stop-shop solution to all that ails you. You will always find a purple wall (or two) in my house (currently in my writing room), and there may or may not be a hidden passageway that leads to a mystery room. (Okay, so you won't find a hidden passageway, but a girl can dream, can't she?) Oh, and tea. There will always be tea. 

My writing style has been described as edgy and rule-breaking, and by some--a touch Tim Burton-esque. Because of this, I am often referred to as the Quentin Tarantino of YA among writing friends. 

In my former life, I was a teacher (both grade school and college-don't ask), but more recently I've been a graduate of Ellen Hopkin's Nevada Mentor Program and a student of James Scott Bell, Christopher Vogler and Don Maass. An excerpt from Lumière earned me the 2012 Don Maass Break Out Novel Intensive Scholarship. 

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Blitz and Giveaway: Lumiere by Jacqueline E. Garlick

8/10/2015

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Title: Lumiere
Author: Jacqueline E. Garlick
Series: #1 in The Illumination Paradox
Pages: 335
Themes: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy.

Lumiere by Jacqueline E. Garlick

Even in a land of eternal twilight, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.

Seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth is no stranger to living in the dark. She’s hidden her secret affliction all of her life—a life that would be in danger if superstitious townspeople ever guessed the truth. After her mother is accused and executed for a crime that she didn’t commit, the now-orphaned Eyelet has no choice but to track down the machine—her last hope for a cure. But Eyelet’s late father’s most prized invention, the Illuminator, has been missing since the day of the mysterious flash—a day that saw the sun wiped out over Brethren forever.

Alone and on the run, she finds the Illuminator—only to witness a young man hauling it away. Determined to follow the thief and recover the machine, she ventures into the deepest, darkest, most dangerous part of her twisted world.

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Teasers

Keep an eye out this week for reviews of both Lumiere and Noir, book #2 of the series.


Giveaway

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Jacqueline E. Garlick

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I'm Jacqueline Garlick, author of young adult and new adult fiction. I love strong heroines, despise whiny sidekicks, and adore a good story about a triumphant underdog. (Don't you?) 
I love to read, write, paint (walls and paper). I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate, grammar, and technology and would rather hang out with a dog, than a cat. I prefer creating things to cleaning things, and believe laughter is a one-stop-shop solution to all that ails you. You will always find a purple wall (or two) in my house (currently in my writing room), and there may or may not be a hidden passageway that leads to a mystery room. (Okay, so you won't find a hidden passageway, but a girl can dream, can't she?) Oh, and tea. There will always be tea. 

My writing style has been described as edgy and rule-breaking, and by some--a touch Tim Burton-esque. Because of this, I am often referred to as the Quentin Tarantino of YA among writing friends. 

In my former life, I was a teacher (both grade school and college-don't ask), but more recently I've been a graduate of Ellen Hopkin's Nevada Mentor Program and a student of James Scott Bell, Christopher Vogler and Don Maass. An excerpt from Lumière earned me the 2012 Don Maass Break Out Novel Intensive Scholarship. 

Lumière--A Romantic Steampunk Fantasy--my debut novel, is the recipient of an indieBRAG Medallion!!! B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree October 15, 2014) I am so proud! (LUMIERE by Jacqueline E. Garlick is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!) Book II of the ILLUMINATION PARADOX SERIES, is out January 26th, now on pre-order.

Also, check out my young adult contemporary romantic/mystery serial, IF ONLY, where reluctant telepathic sleuth Kyla Cooper must embrace her powers and risks all to solve the mystery of what happened to her boyfriend Denver Munro, becoming his voice of truth, before he has no voice at all...

I love hearing from READERS! Please contact me, either at my website: www.jacquelinegarlick.com, or catch up with me on twitter @garlickbooks, or on facebook: http://bit.ly/jegarlickfb

I'm open to reviews and interview, requests for skype visits, guest blogs, pod casts and book club meetings! I LOVE TO HEAR FROM READERS!

Thanks for coming by Bemused Bookworm! Have a question or something to say? Leave a comment below!




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Blitz: The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

8/4/2015

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Title: The Glass Mermaid
Author: Poppy Lawless
Series: Falling In Deep
Themes: Mermaids, Fantasy, Romance
The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless
YA Bound Book Tours
Book Blitz Organized by YA Bound Book Tours

The Glass Mermaid by Poppy Lawless

Kate

I'm the last mermaid.

I’m back on shores of Lake Erie, but the cold waters are silent. There is nothing here for me but ghosts and the beach glass that litters the rocky shore. Long ago, I lived below the waves. Now, I am the sole survivor, and at long last, my mermaid glamour is leaving me.

Every day, I walk the beach. Every day, I wonder what happened to my people. The little pieces of colored glass that wash ashore give me simple pleasure. They are gifts from the lake, reminders of home. I fashion them into trinkets: necklaces, earrings, bracelets. They are beautiful things. The humans seem love them.

Every day, I walk the beach. Nothing ever changes, until the day he says hello.

Cooper

I’m dying.

It’s not a question, it’s a fact. The cancer is eating me alive. They told me I have six months to live, maybe less. I came home, back to Chancellor on Lake Erie, to die. The sunsets are vivid there, and I will relish every one.

I've never seen anything more beautiful than a Lake Erie sunset until I see her.

All life is fragile as glass.

What would you sacrifice to save the one you love?

About the Author: Poppy Lawless


Romance author. Cupcake connoisseur. Certified herbalist. Beach bum. Fan of all things Starbucks. Holistic healing advocate. Surfer girl wanna-be. Lost guru. Maker of dandelion wine. Counselor. Paranormal buff. Etsy addict. Secretly Jedi. So not a geek girl. Gifted in sarcasm. Hot wife. Ninja mom.

And now, I'm ready to share a whole head full of witty, mouthy, smart, lovely, heart-warming, and hot characters with the world. Are you ready?

Poppy Lawless is the author of the forthcoming series Love & Chocolate releasing in 2015 and The Glass Mermaid. Poppy holds degrees in English and Psychology. She is a counselor in the field of mental health and is a trained herbalist. Poppy's new series blends the best of romance with a Practical Magic or contemporary Bewitched appeal.
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Review: The Midnight Dress by Karen Foxlee

1/13/2015

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The Midnight Dress by Karen Foxlee

Title: The Midnight Dress
Author: Karen Foxlee
Series: None
Pages: 288
Theme: Magical Realism, Mystery, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars

The Midnight Dress by Karen Foxlee

Quiet misfit Rose doesn't expect to fall in love with the sleepy beach town of Leonora. Nor does she expect to become fast friends with beautiful, vivacious Pearl Kelly, organizer of the high school float at the annual Harvest Festival parade. It's better not to get too attached when Rose and her father live on the road, driving their caravan from one place to the next whenever her dad gets itchy feet. But Rose can't resist the mysterious charms of the town or the popular girl, try as she might.

Pearl convinces Rose to visit Edie Baker, once a renowned dressmaker, now a rumored witch. Together Rose and Edie hand-stitch an unforgettable dress of midnight blue for Rose to wear at the Harvest Festival—a dress that will have long-lasting consequences on life in Leonora, a dress that will seal the fate of one of the girls. Karen Foxlee's breathtaking novel weaves friendship, magic, and a murder mystery into something moving, real, and distinctly original.

Book Review

Wow, this book was super interesting and unique. It had all the elements of a regular high school type book (new town, upcoming dance, "mean" girls) but it turned out like 100% unique. The beginning of each chapter has a little snippet of foreshadowing...almost like the story was told in present tense and future tense at the same time. It was slightly confusing at times...but i found that i liked it when things started clicking. I was like "ooohh" a million times. The mystery part of it was laid out very well. I kind of thought i knew what happened...i wonder though if there was more too it...like the past of the person. hmm. I really like Edie & her stories. The ending made my cry...so much was destroyed for so many people.

Karen Foxlee

Author Karen Foxlee
Karen Foxlee is an Australian author who lives and writes in Queensland. Her young adult novels The Anatomy of Wings (UQP/Knopf/Atlantic) and The Midnight Dress (Knopf/UQP/Hot Key Books) have been published internationally to much acclaim. The Anatomy of Wings won the Commonwealth Writers Prize Best First Book 2008 (South Asia/Pacific), the Dobbie Award 2008, and a Parent’s Choice Gold Award in the U.S. The Midnight Dress was selected as an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults title in 2014. Foxlee’s first middle grade novel Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (Knopf / Hot Key Books) was published in January 2014 and to date has received several starred reviews. 

Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in creative writing, and lives in Gympie, Australia.

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Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

10/3/2014

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A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Series: 31 of A Beautiful Dark
Pages: 390
Theme: Angels, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 4 stars

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

Book Review

Well it was an awesome read but the first thing i encountered was underaged drinking...and thats something i never condone...esp in books geared towards younger girls. There are actually a few scenes with drinking so that kind a sucks. One scene in particular (i think this is in one of the other books in the series though), Skye's Aunt makes reference to a friend being "responsible" for not drinking since he was driving....like drinking any other time when be totally fine...meanwhile, the aunt and other kids are getting "tipsy". Sighhh. I almost stopped reading...but the story itself was really good. Thankfully, there wasnt any drugs....otherwise, that would have been my undoing.

As far as the writing and such, it was pretty good. I cant remember any gripes really. The only other major issue i had was the series ending... It just seemed soo unnessary and selfish on Skye's part. Skye apparently isnt very quick on her feet. I cant really say more without spoiling it though.

Jocelyn Davies

Author Jocelyn Davies
Jocelyn Davies is the author of A BEAUTIFUL DARK and A FRACTURED LIGHT. She edits young adult fiction at a publishing house in New York, a job that has allowed her to cultivate a keen interest in all things angsty, hilarious, and/or unrequited. She is a graduate of Bates College, and lives in an apartment overflowing with books. Visit her online at www.jocelyndavies.com and follow her on twitter (@jocelyndavies).

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Interview & Giveaway: Getting Rooted in New Zealand by Jamie Baywood

11/11/2013

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Getting Rooted in New Zealand by Jamie Baywood

Title: Getting Rooted in New Zealand
Author: Jamie Baywood
Pages: 224
Theme: Travel, Comedy, Romance

Getting Rooted in New Zealand by Jamie Baywood

Craving change and lacking logic, at 26, Jamie, a cute and quirky Californian, impulsively moves to New Zealand to avoid dating after reading that the country's population has 100,000 fewer men. In her journal, she captures a hysterically honest look at herself, her past and her new wonderfully weird world filled with curious characters and slapstick situations in unbelievably bizarre jobs. It takes a zany jaunt to the end of the Earth and a serendipitous meeting with a fellow traveler before Jamie learns what it really means to get rooted.

Author Interview

  • Is this your first book?

Yes, Getting Rooted in New Zealand is my first book. I moved to New Zealand because I read in a tour book that New Zealand’s population has 100,000 fewer men than women. I thought it would be the perfect place for me to escape the crazy dating scene in California. For the past three years, I’ve been disassembling and reassembling my life by moving to different countries. I’ve lived in five countries now; America, American Samoa, New Zealand, Scotland and now England.

  • How did you know you wanted to become a writer?

I had the opportunity to write and perform for Thomas Sainsbury the most prolific playwright in New Zealand. I performed a monologue about my jobs in the Basement Theatre in Auckland. The funny thing about that experience was Tom kept me separated from the other performers until it was time to perform. I was under the impression that all the performers were foreigners giving their experiences in New Zealand. All of the other performers were professional actors telling stories that weren’t their own. At first I was mortified, but the audience seemed to enjoy my “performance,” laughing their way through my monologue. After the shows we would go out and mingle with the audience. People would ask me how long I had been acting. I would tell them, “I wasn’t acting; I have to go to work tomorrow and sit next to the girl wearing her dead dog’s collar around her neck.” 

  • How long did it take you to write this book?

Most of the book was written as the events happened; it just took me a few years to work up the nerve to publish. To write my book Getting Rooted In New Zealand, I relied upon my personal journals, e-mails, and memories. In February 2013, I organized my stories into a cohesive narrative. It went through several rounds of editing and then I published in April.  

  • What is your writing process?

I didn’t go to New Zealand with the intentions of writing a book about my experiences there. I didn’t start keeping a diary or writing until I moved to New Zealand. I wrote to keep in touch with friends and family. I saved the emails that eventually became my book. I consider myself an accidental author. I had funny experiences that I had trouble believing were true. I wrote the stories down to stay sane. I wrote situations down that were happening around me and shared them with friends. The stories made people laugh so I decided to organize the stories into a book and publish in the hopes to make others laugh too.

Publishing my book was my way of transforming poison into medicine. I hope that it can help people that have had bad dating experiences or bad work experiences – make them laugh and not give up hope.  

  • Would you consider your book biographical or fiction?

My book is 100% true. These are 100% my experiences. I have changed some the names, but not all of individuals and organizations to preserve privacy. 


  • How did you decide what to add to your book and what to leave out?

Reading my book would be similar to receiving emails from a friend living abroad. I didn’t really come up with the distinct writing style. It’s just how I honestly observed things and described them.

I only know how to write my truth. My truth tends to be stranger than fiction. It would be impossible to write down every single thing that happen to me in New Zealand for over a year and it probably wouldn’t be interesting to read.

Although I intended to have a solo adventure I ended up meeting my husband in New Zealand. My writing was one of the things that initially attracted my husband to me when we first met. He has been very supportive and encouraging of me publishing. I tried my best to respect his privacy during the process and he vetoed a few stories about him from the book that made him blush. 

  • Can you give us a quick description?

Craving change and lacking logic, at 26, Jamie, a cute and quirky Californian, impulsively moves to New Zealand to avoid dating after reading that the country's population has 100,000 fewer men. In her journal, she captures a hysterically honest look at herself, her past and her new wonderfully weird world filled with curious characters and slapstick situations in unbelievably bizarre jobs. It takes a zany jaunt to the end of the Earth and a serendipitous meeting with a fellow traveler before Jamie learns what it really means to get rooted.

  • How did you decided on New Zealand from all the other places you could have gone?

As an American citizen there are actually very few places in the world you can get a work visa and just show up. If you are an American under thirty you can a work visa in Australia and if you are an American under thirty-five you can get a work visa in New Zealand. 

  • What did you like best about New Zealand?

Following my dream to live abroad by moving to New Zealand was absolutely liberating. New Zealand turned me into a writer. I have absolute gratitude for every experience and everyone I met. It taught me to trust myself and believe in myself. New Zealand is such a beautiful country. Beaches, mountains, glaciers, lakes, forests, islands, New Zealand’s got it all. It has such freshness about it, like the islands just emerged from the sea. It feels like anything is possible in New Zealand. I also loved the quality of light in New Zealand. It was like looking through a polarized lenses, but more intense. Everything is so colourful and vibrant.

By the end of Getting Rooted in New Zealand, it was time for me to go, but I would be open to moving back there. 

  • Are you working on another book?

I plan to divide my books by the countries I’ve lived in. My next book will be about traveling through the South Island of New Zealand, Australia, and California and attempting to settle down in Scotland.   


Jamie Baywood

Author Jamie Baywood
Jamie Baywood grew up in Petaluma, California. In 2010, she made the most impulsive decision of her life by moving to New Zealand. Getting Rooted in New Zealand is her first book about her experiences living there. Jamie is now married and living happily ever after in the United Kingdom. She is working on her second book.

--Giveaway has Been Closed--


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Cover Reveal: Fractured Innocence by Julia Crane

11/11/2013

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Fracture Innocence by Julia Crane

Title: Fractured Innocence
Author: Julia Crane
Series: Book #2 of IFICS
Theme: SciFi, Cyborgs, Romance.

Fractured Innocence by Julia Crane

Kaitlyn and Erik are sent on a mission to track down Vance Dasvoik, a ruthless monster. His latest thrill—abducting and selling young women.
Vance's current victim: Aaliyah, a seventeen-year-old who never imagined walking her brother home from school one evening would change her life forever.

The mission quickly turns personal for Kaitlyn when she finds Aaliyah beaten, her mind and soul fractured from abuse of the worst kind. Kaitlyn knows firsthand what it's like to be haunted by the past and resolves to bring justice to the elusive Dasvoik.


About the Author

Author Julia Crane
Julia crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan’s Chronicles. She has a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she’s spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.


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Review: Marionette by Anya Allyn

11/7/2013

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Marionette by Anya Allyn

Title: Marionette
Author: Anya Allyn
Series: #3 of Dark Carousel
Pages: 214
Theme: Romance, Paranormal, Ghosts
Rating: 4 Stars

Marionette by Anya Allyn

In the third book of The Dollhouse Books, Cassie must fight to keep from losing the world she knows, and from losing herself – beyond the mirrors.

After the deceit and betrayal of those close to her, Cassie is cast into a world of unknowns – where there is no escape, and where her every footstep takes her deeper into darkness.

She uncovers dark secrets, far beyond the dollhouse.

As she seeks the second book of the Speculum Nemus in the frozen world, outside forces seek her. And they are restless and they will not wait.

My Thoughts

This series totally rocks my socks!! Ive never read a series that ventures through soo many things: creepy circus stuff, magic tricks, ghosts, aliens, monsters, medieval castles, time/space travel, parallel dimensions.... even history and romance. WOW. When reading though, it all flows so well and is seamlessly written. It dosn't even seem awkward. haha. This author is awesome!!

This particular book starts where book 2 left off. Book 2 had a lot of physical travel in in, this book has lots of travel as well but more of the inter dimensional travel. We learn almost everything we need to know about the the why of the main dilemma in the series. Im guessing book 4 will just be coming up with the solution. 

Book 3 def answered a lot of my questions and gives different perspectives of the story. Book 2 was Cassie and Jessamine. Book 3 is Cassie and Ethan. Yes, Ethan returns. The overall romance in the series is clear up here as well... but i must say that those last few chapters are slightly annoying. I've had a very slight issue with Cassie every since the first first book. She hasnt been my fave character necessarily and the whole thing with Ethan in this book is slightly annoying to me. I def would have handle it differently..... but i guess im older than she is and also, i have seen the story from different perspectives than she has as a character... but still. I said "WTF" out loud for everyone to hear. Hahaha. 

There are a few unexpected things that popup that will greatly effect book 4. From the end of 3 and the synopsis of 4, i can already tell i will really really enjoy it. I noticed on the author's blog that #4 is finished and titled: Music Box. Anyone who has read book 3 already might know what that means. ;) I really want book 4 like right now. I read books 1,2 & 3 in 3 days. :P  I need closure..haha.

Overall i would def recommend this book. Its a great addition to the series and sets up for book 4 really well. There is a small indirect reference to sex/rape and much more drinking than the previous books though, so be careful of that if you find it offensive. 

Anya Allyn

Author Anya Allyn
Anya Allyn was born unexpectedly and without proper instructions. A dreamy girl betwixt the clouds and space, she was given the thing she desired most for her tenth birthday–a microscope–and subsequently developed a penchant for small things: frogs and ants and microbes, and the earth (when viewed from other planets). She considers a mind and body that do not roam free are the living dead. Anya lives in a cottage by the sea–and slips in and out of forests and through a day, where the wild things are ….

She has four adventure-seeking boys and a bookcase filled with adventures. One day soon, she plans to head off on adventures of her own…

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Review: Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn

11/6/2013

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Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn

Title: Paper Dolls
Author: Anya Allyn
Series: #2 of Dark Carousel
Pages: 273
Theme: Romance, Ghosts, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Stars

Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn

A Young Adult Gothic Horror

Cassie discovers the truth behind the existence of the dollhouse– leading up to a terrifying revelation about herself, one that will challenge every last thread of her sanity.

Book Review

This book was an excellent followup to book one. This book starts off in the dollhouse but then shows the time after the rescue. The structure of this book is much different than the first. The first was written more on a moment by moment basis through the whole ordeal. This book more skips from event to event (with weeks or more in between) and its focus is more on the "why & how" of the whole ordeal. We also get a little perspective change as we are brought to the 1920's and into Jessamine's world.

Characters are awesome of course. The author does a awesome job at creating and maintaining characters. The characters in book one are def evolved in this book. There are some shocking revelations about some of them. I've found some of my favorite characters dropping to the end of the list and some of my least faves moving up to the top. I don't really want to specify any characters because i dont want to spoil it. But i'm sure you'll understand as you read...there are so many twist and turns. Lots of reveals and mistrusts. There is a bit of foreshadowing too, if you wanna keep an eye out. :) 

The setting in the book is just awesome. This book is almost like a travelogue. Cassie, travels to lots of places and all the places are describe beautiful. This author is great with creative/descriptive writing. Id have to say my favorite place was the Island vacation and the Yacht. I mean of course....endless beaches and a mega yacht...yes please. 

Overall i def love this book. If you read book one you will def want to read this one. It is a slight bit edgier than book one with drinking and a stronger reference to sex...but still not direct. 

Anya Allyn

Author Anya Allyn
Anya Allyn was born unexpectedly and without proper instructions. A dreamy girl betwixt the clouds and space, she was given the thing she desired most for her tenth birthday–a microscope–and subsequently developed a penchant for small things: frogs and ants and microbes, and the earth (when viewed from other planets). She considers a mind and body that do not roam free are the living dead. Anya lives in a cottage by the sea–and slips in and out of forests and through a day, where the wild things are ….

She has four adventure-seeking boys and a bookcase filled with adventures. One day soon, she plans to head off on adventures of her own…

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Review: The Strongest Ring by Laura Bradley Rede

8/25/2013

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The Strongest Ring by Laura Bradley Rede

Title: The Strongest Ring
Author: Laura Bradley Rede
Series: none
Pages: 19
Theme: Romance, Vampires, Hippies
Rating: 5 Stars

The Strongest Ring by Laura Bradley Rede

Seventeen year old Beck doesn’t consider herself a tree-hugger. With her multi-colored dreadlocks and her combat boots, she’s more at home working at Criminal Records Music than taking a stroll in the woods. That is, until she falls for Jordan, a handsome vampire activist who remembers Earth’s past and wants to save its future. But will Jordan’s friends accept Beck’s help? Or will they decide that humans are the problem – and the solution is wiping them out?

My Thoughts

Well, this was def a short story. Very small indeed. But even with its short stature, i loved it! Vampires, hippies and coffee!! Yes please. Jordan def sounded like the perfect guy for me! If only i could find a sexy vampire hippie who reads and drinks coffee... and is willing to bite his girlfriend without all the "We shouldn't" haha. :)  There were only a few different scenes in the book but they were all described well and the story itself was very intriguing. I sorta wish there was more to the story...i want to see what happens with them next! Have i mentioned how attractive Jordan was? lol

Laura Bradley Rede

Author Laura Bradley Rede
Laura Bradley Rede grew up the oldest of nine kids in a small town in Maine. She now lives in a little hippie-punk neighborhood of Minneapolis with her wonderful partner, their three amazing children, one Great Dane, one dachshund, and four city chickens. She is a winner of the Writers of the Future Award for fantasy and science fiction and the author of the YA paranormal romance DARKRIDE, and its upcoming sequel CROSSFIRE, as well as many YA short stories. She often quotes Bela Lugosi, the original Dracula, who said “I have never met a vampire personally, but I don’t know what might happen tomorrow.” After all, a girl can dream.

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Review: Freak of Nature by Julia Crane

8/25/2013

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Freak of Nature by Julia Crane

Title: Freak of Nature
Author: Julia Crane
Series: #1 of IFICS
Pages: 167
Theme: Romance, Cyborgs
Rating: 5 Stars

Freak of Nature by Julia Crane

Donate Body to Science. Check.

When seventeen-year-old Kaitlyn checked the box, she never suspected she’d have her life–and her body–stolen from her. She awakens one day in a secret laboratory to discover that her body is now half-robot and is forced to hide her own secret: that she still has human emotions and a human mind. If the scientists who made her find out, they’ll erase what remains of who she was.

Kaitlyn finds an unlikely ally in Lucas, a handsome, brilliant scientist who can’t get over the guilt he feels knowing she was once a vibrant, beautiful young woman. He never expected a science project to affect him the way she does. As he tries to help her rediscover her past, he finds himself falling for the brave girl struggling to find her place and acceptance between the human and computer worlds.

Book Review

Amazing! This book was spectacular! This was the second book ive read from Julia Crane (first being Coexist). I'm really coming to like her as an author. In this book particularly she talks a lot about beauty and how it's seen. Lucas describe Kaitlyn as strong and beautiful because of how she led her life. While Kaitlyn felt self conscious, Lucas' acceptance of her helped her change the way she saw herself. I think real life works a lot like that sometimes. Some people are naturally confident but others need a little push from someone else. I love that Julia added a link to Operation Beautiful in her book! I love that website!!

As far as this book specially, i really loved it. I read one other robot/human book, but other than that, this concept is totally new & unique! I gotta say i sorta liked it. The thought of her being soo smart and fast but almost emotionless is appealing. The middle part of the book was pretty exciting and the ending was good. There wasn't really a huge, exciting action scene or climax but i think this book was more about personal growth & relationships. Either way though, the ending was satisfying and it setup nicely for the next book. I'm a bit unsure of the new element introduced in the last chapter though...No doubt that will cause drama in book 2.

For characters, i like them all! This book was written in third person and it switches from Kaitlyn to Lucas a few times, though the majority is with Kaitlyn. I gotta say, as i always do, that i really prefer first person because i like to know exactly what the characters are thinking. This book however does a good job of express the characters through the narration. As far as favorite character, I'd have to say Lucas. He is/was very sweet and understanding..and smart!! I didn't really dislike any of the characters...except maybe those military people.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere and environment.  Her bedroom felt cold & sterile and the beach felt warm & lively, as they should! Adams' cottage was cozy and Lucas house was homey. All the places in the book really came alive with the wording. It was very easy to imagine! My two fave were the star gazing and the bowling! Anyone who knows me knows that i LOVE blankets under the stars. & I kick butt at bowling! I was glad to see things i could related with in the story.

The only thing i dislike about this book was the scene breaks. I think this is totally the format of the book and not the authors fault. Its just weird to have one line here then the next line in a totally different time. Some authors use line breaks or a dot sequence or something to signify a scene break. I'm a confused person by nature so i had to reread a few spot before i realized what was happening. lol

My overall thoughts of this book are outstanding and i'd consider this a five star read. While its not an epic adventure, its still a lovely story. I feel the next books will probably have more of an exciting flare to them. This one mainly laid out the groundwork for the series. I'd def recommend this book to most of my readers here but there is some sexual content and mild language. 

Julia Crane

Author Julia Crane
Julia crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan’s Chronicles. She has a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she’s spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

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Review: Daughters by Saga Berg

8/20/2013

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Daughters by Saga Berg

Title: Daughters
Author: Saga Berg
Series: #4 of Nordic Fairies
Pages: 55
Theme: Romance, Fairies
Rating: 4 Stars

Daughters by Saga Berg

In the forth part of Nordic Fairies, Svala and Viggo have the chance to get to know their daughter as a teenager, a relationship that is not without complications. Viggo and Svala try to keep their hands off each other, and Viggo struggles with the notion of his daughter growing up into a woman. The setting takes place back in New York in the 80’s.

Meanwhile, in present time, Freja’s daughter, Emma, starts Svala’s high school and both Viggo and Svala react to her odd behavior. Why is she acting so strange? And who is her father?

Five parts of the series is currently published, Nordic Fairies (Nordic Fairies, #1), and Freja (Nordic Fairies, #2), Döckálfar (Nordic Fairies, #3), Daughters (Nordic Fairies, #4) and Missing (Nordic Fairies, #5). So far, a total of six parts are planned in the Nordic Fairies series.

Book Review

First off, let me say that i love love love this series! I downloaded the first book, which is/was free, a while back then bought books 2 and 3 the same day! I unfortunately didn't even have the $3 to buy #4 and #5 at the time. I recently came into a few dollars, literally a FEW(3) dollars lol, so i purchased #4. Now i just need #5!! I'm not sure if the series ends with five though...

Anyway, when you first start reading these books, you notice they are written differently than other books. Not only are they in 3rd person, but they also switch between characters, cites and even centuries. I guess that may make it sound confusing but its not. It basically follows the love story between one couple...so everything relates back to them somehow. I sorta liked how i got to see into the past and see how the characters developed. You know, what made them the way they are. In this particular book, you get a really good look at how the past affects in the present...even the future. So much so that i literally gasped and screamed: "WHAT" on those last few pages. It did leave on a sorta cliffhanger...but i have a few ideas of what i think may happen. :)

As far as the writing and world building, i think they are both good. The two main cities (Washington DC and New York) are pretty popular so i'm not sure if they are easy to picture because i'm so familiar with them or because she describes them well...but either way, it was even for me to get good imagery. 

Far characters, i like them all! They are pretty unique to themselves and easy to tell them apart. I sorta despise characters where they all have the same personality, lol but thats not the case here. My fave is probably..hmm Trym or Freja. We are able to see Trym's humor better in this book and that's something i like. Freja is just a super sweet person, especially as an adult. This book is sorta traumatic and heartbreaking where she is concerned though. My least fave is probably Svala. I liked here in other books...but she just rubbed me wrong in this one. I don't have children and don't desire to...so i guess i just cant relate well with her and her parenting choices. I agree more with Viggo.

I liked this story overall. Id def recommend it to anyone who likes fairies books...though this one is very unique. I love the whole soulmate aspect and anyone liking a good love story will enjoy this. Download the first book and see what you think! It's appropriate for most in the ya age range but does have allusions to sex. No smoking, drinking or drugs.

Saga Berg

Author Saga Berg
Saga Berg was born in Sweden during the snow storm of 1979 and knew already at the age of seven that she wanted to become a writer. She studied English and Communication at the University of Malmö, then took her Bachelor in Marketing- and Communications at the same University.

After working a few years as a Marketing Manager, Saga Berg started writing the novella series Nordic Fairies, her first published story. The Nordic Fairies series is a low fantasy novella series with a new concept of fairies and introduces Nordic light and dark fairies, Liosálfar and Döckálfar fighting for balance in a contemporary world. The series has been very well received by readers in all ages with high ratings and amazing reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. 

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Blind Date with a Book by Jenna

8/19/2013

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Blind Date With a Book

I was browsing around the blogosphere as i usually do and i came across On a Book Bender's blog. Well this is already one of favorite blogs because they help host BoutofBooks. Beyond just that though, i noticed that they have some awesome features! While the Top Off Tuesday ("Warning: features men in various states of undress." lol) is awesome, i really really like the Blind Date With a Book by Jenna!

This is still a new feature but from what i understand, Jenna chooses 3 books to features and just gives us the bare details of them. We choose one to have a book date with, then she reveals the book and the author. Awesome idea right? 

I participated in one of the posts and just received the info on my "date" this afternoon. I dont really wanna say which post or which number i chose, because that would ruin the blind date part of this. lol 

Anyway, here is the book i got! I must say, at first sight i thought "Well thats no YA and i probably wont like it". Im SUCH a cover judger!! After i read the synopsis, i must admitt, it sounds awesome! Def different than what i usually read, but isnt that the point? lol Thanks a bunch Jenna for intruducing me to this book, i know i will enjoy it. 

My Book Date

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal pangram,* “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl’s fight for freedom of expression, as well as a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere.

*pangram: a sentence or phrase that includes all the letters of the alphabet



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A to Z Bookish Survey

8/17/2013

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A to Z Bookish Survey

The A to Z Bookish survey is hosted by Jaime over at the Perpetual Page Turner. It asks 26 book and reading related questions! I will be working on this for the next few weeks... because well i just can't choose! I'm probably thinking too much. lol.
Status: Incomplete
Last Updated: July 19, 2015

Author you’ve read the most books from:
Charlaine Harris without a doubt. I've read 11 out of 13 books from her Sookie Stackhouse series. Love the books, hate the TV show. lol

Best sequel ever:
**thinking**

Currently reading:
Nothing right now, But i have Everblue (Mer Tales #1) by Brenda Pandos queued up and ready for monday!

Drink of choice while reading:
Sweet Tea, any variety usually.

E-reader or physical book?
Ebook please!!! I'm starting to not enjoy real books as much. They are nice to hold and look at...but ebooks have more functionality; like highlighting, easily sharing quotes, making notes & etc. It's also hard to read a physical book while in bed when it's dark!

Fictional character you probably would have dated in high school:
**thinking**

Glad you gave this book a chance:
The Art of Life by Sara Carter. I was hesitant because it is a contemp and mainly involves romance...and that's it! It's also massively long...something like 600+ pages. It turned out to be pleasant and very tolerable... i probably won't be venturing into other comtemps though. I sorta like my men Supernatural!

Hidden gem book:
**thinking**

Important moment of your reading life:
**thinking**

Just finished:
Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen. I liked it ok....but the main heroine was starting to annoy me.

Kinds of books you won’t read:
Historical. Erotica. Biographies. Contemporary or overly romantic without another theme.

Longest book you’ve read:
I guess Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyers, though i didn't like it!! Goodreads says its 756 pages.

Major book hangover because of:**thinking**

Number of bookcases you own:
Well, 2 physical bookcases, but i dont really read physical books anymore. On kindle, i have about 800 books...but you can't sort into shelves....DUMB!

One book you have read multiple times:
None! Ever! lol

Preferred place to read:
In my bed snuggled up in my blanket! It'd be a bonus if a hot guy was next to me. :D

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:
"We stood facing each other, separated by tables and bodies, music and laughter, but we might’ve been the only two people in the world." - For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison #1) by M Leighton.

Reading regret:
**thinking**

Series you started and need to finish (all books are out):
**thinking**

Three of your all-time favorite books:
**thinking**

Unapologetic fangirl for:
**thinking**

Very excited for this release more than all others:
**thinking**

Worst Bookish Habit:
**thinking**

X marks the spot! Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book: 
**thinking**

Your latest book purchase:
Dockalfar (Nordic Fairies #3) by Saga Berg

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):
Well, all books keep my up wayy late. I'm actually known for reading until daylight...and even into the afternoon. I stayed awake for like 36 hours straight once....where like most of that was reading! I can't really remember what books... but I'll stay up for pretty much any book that I'm reading and enjoying.  

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Review: Stained by Ella James

2/25/2013

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Stained by Ella James

Title: Stained
Author: Ella James
Series: #1 of Stained
Pages: 254
Theme: Romance, Demons, Angels
Rating: 4 Stars

Stained by Ella James

After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

Book Review

I totally loved this book!! It had a great story line and def a lot of action! Here's my account, more detailed:

I totally loved Julia, Cayne and their relationship. Well, first off, i'm a total sucker for sarcastic type guys... i love guys who have good comebacks and dry senses of humors. So Cayne was right up my alley. He also seemed very real the way he was feeling one thing but then showing only a totally opposite and stoic outer image... i totally know guys who do that! Some guys need to learn communication skills!! Julia seemed very sensible and i could related to most of her feelings... esp with Cayne on the train! I've totally been there. The relationship between the two seems very authentic. Def no instalove here. I sort of like love stories where in the beginning they dont like each other...but secretly do. hahaha. To me, that's better than "love at first sight". They are cute as a couple.

I really like the Characters backgrounds. I like know about how characters cam to be and i think good stories always bring in a bit of the past. It brings depth and interest to the story! I also sort of like Cayne's bad boy like image! :D

I also really like that there are only 2 real characters. In some books (i wont mention breaking dawn...lol) there are like sssoooo many characters! I get confused easy and sometimes i just don't like them. On the other hand though, sometimes i do like them. I think if supporting characters are done right then they are good, but in this book i didn't mind Julia not having a constant best friend or brother/sister, etc!

I totally love the ending too. I was torn at first and wasn't sure if i liked it. My kindle tricked me. I was at like 85% and reading happily, then bam, i turn the page and i see end credits.. wtf? Apparently there is a sneakpeek chapter for another book at the end...but dang, i wasn't prepared for then! Let's just say that the ending was a major cliffhanger...im not even sure if the climax was in this book. I have to say that book two is going to start off with a bang. Also, i sense a little second book syndrome...

One thing that i didn't quite like, was the way some elements just appeared out of nowhere. Like in the first few chapters, you think that Julia is just a normal girl but then out of nowhere she uses her "talent" and your like wait...where did that come from. I was wondering if i even read it right. The was no previous thoughts on it or anything... It was kind of awkward but does pay a huge roll in the rest of the book. I just wished it was introduced more smoothly.

Another thing i didn't necessarily love was the dream/thought sequences. These confused me a lot too. Especially the first one. I dont even think it was Julia's dream... it seemed awkward to me and i couldn't figure out where it came from or how it fit into Julia's story. It was like all about Julia then there was like this dream about something totally irrelevant seeming. Of course it ends up being somewhat explained, but im not sure if the place is right or if it needed at all. There are other dreams/thought sequences too and while they are story building, i've just never been into them much in books.

Overall i totally love this book and i'd give it a very high 4 stars (so very close to 5 stars). I def recommend it to others, especially to people who would like a unique story about fallen angels. Or if you are new to fallen angel books! Im def going to read book 2 and would def try other books by this other as well.

About the Author

Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in a sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a romance YA beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July. Ella is inviting readers to help her write a shapeshifter romance, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page. Ella lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her wonderful husband, opinionated baby, and mopey dog.

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Review: Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

2/21/2013

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Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

Title: Fearless
Author: Tawdra Kandle
Series: #1 of King
Pages: 347
Theme: Witches, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Stars

Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad's job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn's ability to hear others' thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town's secrets aren't just bizarre, they're deadly.

Book Review

This book was total awesomesauce! I loved the story...and while mind reading and witches have been done a lot in YA, this book is still sort of unique, to me atleast, because i never read them together before.

One thing that i totally loved was the town history... I find carnival/fairs super freaky. Well actually i used to like them.... I went once into the "House of Freaks" (sigh, the name should have discouraged me) and there was this gross looking women with piercings EVERYWHERE and she kept sticking a whole nail into her nose then bashing it with a hammer. EW, After that, no more.. I haven't been to one since... so let's just say setting up a town around a carnival...well it was effectively freaky!

Another thing i loved was the way the story was written. I know some people getting bored with very specific details in a book... like eating a lot, or reading a lot or whatever, but i liked it. There was definitely much more going one the class and lunch, so i love that specifics were added it. I don't think they were after thoughts/fillers or that they took away from the story!

I loved Nell!! She was an awesome bad girl. So evilish and mean but broken and beautiful too! I usually love the villains in books more... although im not sure who the real villain here is... That creepy Professor-Snape-wanna-be Mrs. Lacusta...was pretty dang guilty looking. But anywho, Nell was awesome!

Well i super liked Tasmyn. At first, she came across as a bit... hmm how to put it...insecure i guess. She seems so worried what people think that she doesn't even have friends. I guess personally i've never felt that way, but when you consider here age and also her talent, i guess it put her personality more in perspective. She was always very polite and tried to do the right thing (in not listening to others) she that makes her very likable. I dont know though, if i had these powers i would definitely be listening to people and i wouldn't feel ashamed. I guess i learned this from Edward Cullen. haha. Seriously though, if your talking to someone and they are being really nice, but in their heads there thinking about how stupid or whatever you are...ptf, well you bet that would affect the way i treated them. I obviously wouldn't make a big deal about it but i'd avoid them at the very least and i wouldn't help them if they asked.... ok i'd probably help them, but i'd be sure to point out that i was helping them despite the fact that they are fake! I guess my boyfriend was right in calling me a spitfire. lol

What I Didn't Like As Much: I have to put Michael in this category...but i guess i will. He seemed to make Tasmyn happy..so that's good... but i personally kept getting annoyed by him.He seemed pretty overbearing and sort of boss to Tasmyn. Like when she was talking about using her gift for good and not just ignoring...or when she was considering listening in on Nell's thoughts. I was very happy to see Tasmyn stand up for herself and Michael eventually give in...but in my real life, i get very annoyed when someone tried to tell me what to do and i guess that translate to characters i read. All in all though, Michael did seem very sweet and his thoughts was genuine...so that was good!

Overall i totally loved the story and cant wait to read the next book. Unfortunately this book alluded to college...so i forsee a little second book syndrome...but it doesn't bother me..too much.

Tawdra Kandle

Author Tawdra Kandle
Tawdra Kandle has been a writer since pens were invented. Her first published story appeared in Child Life magazine when she was 13 years old. She took a brief hiatus of about thirty years to hone her craft, get married and have four children before publishing the young adult quartet The King Series. THE POSSE is her first adult contemporary romance. Tawdra lives in Florida with her husband and children, both skin and fur-types. Oh, and yes--she has purple hair.

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Review: Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

1/23/2013

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Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

Title: Dollhouse
Author: Anya Allyn
Series: #1 of Dark Carousel
Pages: 373
Theme: Romance, Ghosts, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Stars

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

A dark, Gothic, Young Adult Horror.

Four teenagers chance across a mysterious, crumbling mansion in the depths of the mountains....
- One of them is about to vanish.
- One of them is lying about what he or she knows.
- None of them will escape the fate awaiting them in the terrifying Dollhouse beneath the old mansion--a place of nightmarish horrors and insanity.

A slow-burn nightmare, a world of supernatural darkness and strange secrets.

Six months ago, fifteen-year-old Cassie Claiborne reluctantly moved from her home in Florida with her social worker mom. In her new home--a remote, mountainous Australian town, Cassie meets new friends--Aisha Dumaj, Ethan McAllister and Lacey Dougherty.

For the first time, Cassie falls in love. The only problem is that the boy she falls for is her friend, Ethan--and he and Aisha are already an item. When Cassie goes on a school hike to Devils Hole with her new friends, she tries desperately to keep her feelings for Ethan secret.

Aisha disappears on the hike without a trace--with the police believing she was murdered.

When Cassie, Ethan and Lacey return to the mountains to search for Aisha--Cassie begins to realize she never really knew any of her friends. Everyone has their own secrets. She discovers the stranger lurking inside everyone she thought she knew.

The darkest secret of all waits beneath the old mansion in the mountains--a secret from which there is no escape....

Book Review

Well wow!! This book was creepy & delicious for sure. I haven't read a book with this "creep out" level since Katie Alendar's Series. 

In the beginning of this books it seemed just like a search and research book with a little romance...something like a contemperary..but about halfway through you learn that there is sooo much more going on: ghosts, circus paraphernalia and creepy weird people...and of course dolls and toys. I know, scary as crap right. lol

As far as characters, My fave would have to be Lacey. I think i can relate to her the most. She seems the most sensible to me. I like Cassie & Missouri next because they are strong. Id have to say that i like Aisha the least. She just seems whiny and childish to me and i dont like it. I am not sure yet about Jessamine or Ethan. They both have a shroud over them and its really hard to tell if they can be trusted or not. I certainly don't like Henry...Frreeeaak. All the characters were written very well. The were deep, unique and well defined.

As far as world building and setting, i think the author did an awesome job. She is very descriptive in the writing without the "info dump" feeling. I could clearly see most of the scenery pretty easily in my head. I was pretty scared on some parts, but awesome none the less. I'm not sure if this is the author's first book, but it is very well written. 

Overall, i would def recommend this book to anyone who enjoys creepy books. It's an awesome books and i found no flaws at all. It's pretty safe for all YA ages since it only contains very vague references to sex, drugs, drinking, but nothing direct.

Anya Allyn

Author Anya Allyn
Anya Allyn was born unexpectedly and without proper instructions. A dreamy girl betwixt the clouds and space, she was given the thing she desired most for her tenth birthday–a microscope–and subsequently developed a penchant for small things: frogs and ants and microbes, and the earth (when viewed from other planets). She considers a mind and body that do not roam free are the living dead. Anya lives in a cottage by the sea–and slips in and out of forests and through a day, where the wild things are ….

She has four adventure-seeking boys and a bookcase filled with adventures. One day soon, she plans to head off on adventures of her own…

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Review: The Bionics by Alicia Michaels

1/16/2013

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The Bionics by Alicia Michel

Title: The Bionics
Author: Alicia Michaels
Series: #1 of Bionics
Pages: 97
Theme: Cyborgs, Dystopia
Rating: 5 Stars

The Bionics by Alicia by Michels

All I ever wanted was to be a normal girl. I had dreams of joining the ranks of the Military Police and making my family proud. But the nuclear war that laid waste to our country destroyed any hope I had of being normal ever again. They took everything away from me, including my humanity. I am now half-human, half-machine, part of the never-ending freak show that is the Restoration Project.

They hate what they created and they fear us for being powerful.

And so they hunt us, destroying our lives so that they can bury what they built. What they don’t know is this: there is a Resistance out there and The Bionics aren’t going down without a fight.

Book Review

Well I totally, absolutely loved this book. I never read a book about a half robot person before and it sursprised me to realize that i was still able to relate with her. I'm not as sentimental over the family thing as she is but i still think we have a ton of things in common. These sorts of books are my favorite to read; ones where the characters reactions would be my own. In most books, its more like "UUGGHH, Why did you do/think/say that?"

Characters. All the characters in this book were great! They were very interesting in their own ways and it was easy to dislike the ones you were supposed to dislike. The sort of love pentagon thing was a bit weird though, but i enjoyed reading the different sides. I remember being younger and having a crush on like 3 guys at once, so it's very realistic. There were awesome amounts of sarcasm, which i totally adore, and a fair amount of humor too, which i also totally loved. In general, all the characters were developed very well. All were strong and independent. My favorite would have to be Blythe, of course, but i really adored Dax and Yasmine as well.

Plot. The storyline of this book was spectacular In a nutshell, the was a nuke war. The injured was given a second chance at living by being giving robotic type limb (or other body part) replacements. Then, when the government how strong the new "bionics" were they wanted to back out and decided they were terrorists. In theory though, a person that's half robot (just think a really intelligent terminator could be wicked dangerous. I don't want to bring in too much politics but it's like the gun control thing. Millions of people have guns but only sick/uneducated/evil people actually shoot people down and act like terrorists. And if they don't shoot people down, well, they will find a sling blade or bomb or whatever else they think they need to fulfill their sick perversions. Anyway, so the government wants to strip all there robotic parts away and let them die or just plain killed them out right. The magnitude of this story makes me feel kind of sad. While this is just a book, the same concept of oppression can be applied to so many things. The plot of this book ended at a very critical time in the story, so i am very interested in getting my hands on the next book! I really really want to know what happens!

Setting. The setting of this book was great. I could really see and feel the desolation of the cities. Likewise, inside the compound and hoovercraft i could really imagine the environment well. I'm not sure if this was my own rogue imagination or if the book gave me what i need, but i definitely have a good envisioning of most scenes in the book. My favorite scene is the when Agata is in the glass room!

All in all i most definitely loved this book and will most definitely be reading any other books in this series. I noticed that the Author has another series out as well. I will probably check that out too because i really like her writing style! I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a good apocalyptic book without zombies!

Alicia Michels

Author Alicia Michels
Mother of 2 and Army wife. Lover of coffee, chocolate and good books. Writer of YA Fantasy that stretches the imagination. When not writing, I can usually be found reading.

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Review: Dark Passage by M.L. Woolley

1/14/2013

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Dark Passage by M.L. Woolley

Title: Dark Passage
Author: M.L. Woolley
Series: #1 of Dark Passage
Pages: 334
Theme: Ghosts, Angels
Rating: 5 Stars

Dark Passage by M.L. Woolley

Peel back what we know as reality and there is an unseen world that is just waiting for you to enter. No one ever really dies and if we look hard enough we will find the unseen.

The way through the veil has been closed for many centuries but great evil is being unleashed and the two worlds are merging. 

There are a chosen few who will walk the way of the dead and discover the secrets that are hidden deep within. 

Two young women discover their suprnatural gifts emerge. Jen & Ivy are drawn into the compelling world of the dark side and propelled on the most important journeys of their lives. 

It's a race against time for their very lives.

Book Review

This was a great book! I think it was even epic! I never read a book that made me think so much about my own life. Usually i'll read and think about the characters and what's happening to them. But for some reason while i was reading this book i kept thinking about myself and how my life related to the story. I really liked how thoughtful this book made me.

Plot. The plot on this book was fantastic. I was a bit confused in the beginning but understood more the further i read. I think bringing in the history of the house and of the previous uses of it was a great idea. I love knowing the back story of the settings and such. The first half of the book was mostly meeting the characters and becoming acquainted with how they are interconnected. The second part of the story is all about preparing for a specific "event". There is also a little romance between a few different couples and a lot of OMGosh-es "that was so scary" parts. I really liked the plot of the story. There where a few things that i found missing, like specific events that weren't show, but rather dealt with by the character after the fact or as a memory. I guess though, that the author may have did that as a suspense creator or to keep the momentum in certain scenes.

Characters. I think this book had really great characters. Have you ever seen books where all the characters are like the same person but with different names? lol, Well that's definitely not the case here. The characters in general are halved into good or bad. All the good ones are "good" but also have their own personality and same goes with the bad. Even the demons are pretty personified. I think this is great because it helps cement the story and an understanding in your mind through out the the story. For the most part the characters seemed very consistent. The only thing i was a bit skeptical about was the prologue at the end (athough i think the author meant Epilogue). Ivy was showing such hatefulness and annoyance towards Lisa. I'm not sure why she would feel like that after she talked so much about her own clean slate but then refuses to accept Lisa's. I have a feeling though that this will be better explained in book two. My favorite characters were Ivy and Peter.

Writing. I read some reviews about this book stating that the writing wasn't that good. I can see why they would say that, but i think that's being a bit harsh. There are some place that need editing or revision, but considering that this is the authors first book i think it is perfectly acceptable. I think some book reviewer are snobbish and think that their opinion and standards rule. But in the real world, new authors have to start somewhere. This author obviously has a great talent for crafting an amazing stories, so in time as she hones in and irons out her writing skills, i think she'll be an amazing writer.

I totally cant wait for book 2. Im very curious to know whether my hunch is right. Im also curious to see how everything will be after the "event".

M.L. Woolley

ML was adopted and raised in Washington State. She grew up loving the escape of books, far away places and magical endings. Horses were a huge part of her life and she learned to ride at age 6 on the neighbor's farm. She worked cleaning stalls and doing work in trade for riding lessons. When she was on the back of a horse she felt that anything in life was possible. The horse used in the second book is her own Quarter Horse show Stallion "The Great White Hope".

ML married early to start a new life and divorced by the time she was 23. She raised her two girls, worked her way through college and graduate school working for a housekeeping service. She has spent many years in social services as social worker, crisis worker, counselor and case manager. Her first interest has always been helping people to live better lives and become all that they can be. She was remarried later in life and lives with her husband in a small town in Washington- I never give up on a goal once it's set in my mind.

ML's educational background is BA in Psychology, MA in Education and an MED in Counseling Psychology. Education focused on applied principles with a diverse theoretical approach. Writing plays a very small part of what I do vocationally and this is my first work of fiction. 

"Everyone has potential and can achieve their dreams. NEVER give up on yourself"- ML

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Review: Indomitable by J. Meyers

1/10/2013

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Indomitable by J. Meyers

Title: Indomitable
Author: J. Meyers
Series: #.75 of Intangible
Pages: 50
Theme: Vampires, Paranormal
Rating: 5 Stars

Indomitable

Perhaps the most dangerous person to gain unimaginable power is the one who feels oppressed.

And full of wrath. For very good reason.

Book Review

Well, I totally loved this mini book! I've read 2 other books from this author and i've absolutely loved all of them!

Point of View. I've talked so much about a book's point of view in the past that I think everyone knows that I love First Person. For whatever reason, i usually have a hard time getting into stories written in 3rd person. The books written by J.Meyers are all third person but they are written so beautifully and craftily that i didn't even realize! They are so captivating i didn't have time to concentrate on the point of view! Another thing that these books do great, is that they switch between characters. This gives great perspective to the scenes without getting confusing. I enjoy reading J.Meyer's 3rd person books.

Plot. The purpose of this companion is to help establish Jonas' back story. In Intangible, you can absolutely tell he's a different sort of vampire and he alludes to his past and what how his past shaped him, but since this books it's all about him and his struggles, you can really see it firsthand. It's switches between "now" and 200 years in the past (when he was still human) which gives an excellent overview of his character! It's truly a heartbreaking story but i'm glad to know more about one of my favorite characters of the series. 

For me this book was over too soon. I def wanted to know more! I cant wait to read the the next book in the series and i would def recommend this novella and the other novella, Intuition, to anyone wanting to get into a great paranormal series!

Author J. Meyers

Author J. Meyers
J. Meyers is a total sucker for romance and wholeheartedly believes in love that lasts a lifetime. She grew up in Vermont, spent three years in Germany when she was a kid, and now lives in Central New York. When she's not reading or writing, she's chasing after her four kids, exploring the outdoors with her family, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. She's the author of the NA contemporary romance Anywhere, as well as the Intangible series, a YA contemporary fantasy.

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Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

7/1/2012

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Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alendar
Title: Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Katie Alender
Series: #1 of Bad Girls Don't Die
Pages: 346
Theme: Thiller, Ghosts
Rating: 5 Stars

Bad Girls Dont Die by Katie Alendar

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude. When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

Book Review

Katie Alendar

Author Katie Alender
Katie Alender (rhymes with “calendar”!) grew up in South Florida, which probably explains the recurring alligator dreams (one of which is documented in Bad Girls Don’t Die). She is the third of four children (three girls and a boy) and the child of three very loving and encouraging parents.

She attended high school at the Palm Beach County School of the Arts, studying Communication Arts. From there, she went on to the Florida State University Film School, which led her to her current hometown, a tiny hamlet on the West Coast known as “Los Angeles.”

She enjoys writing, reading, sewing (especially quilts), trying to grow plants, birdwatching in the backyard, photography, visiting friends’ blogs, and hanging out with her husband (known on the blog as “the husb”), her daughter, and her little brown dog, Scooter.

Her first brush with publication was the article “So You Want to Live On Mars?” published in Sassy magazine in December 1991.
Wow it dawn on me as I was reading this book that most of what I read is like...teen romance with a hint of the paranormal! This book was the opposite and I loved it! It was refreshing to see a highly organized story that wasnt centered around soulmates and the sort (even though I love those stories too)! Dont get me wrong, there is a small amount of love in this book, and I think it was done perfectly! At first I was a bit put off by Alexis' blunt rudeness...but the more I read I realized the sometimes people are just rude on accident...and not always trying to get attention or hurt people. I even do it and feel horrible... :/ I really liked Megan, she was all "cheerleader" but also a lot deeper than she appeared! Over all I would rate this 5 stars because I couldnt find anything wrong with it! I would def recommend it! Its def unique and sort of scary! 


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